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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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THE 



REATHED CROSS 



AND 



OTHER POEMS, 

AESTHETIC AND RELIGIOUS. 

Rev. I)A^raEISLER, A. M., 



I AXrilOR OF "THK FATHERS OF THE GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH IN 

I EFROI'E AND AMERICA," AND " LIFE-PICTURES OF THE PRODIGAL 

1 SON, A <;iFT-BOOK FOR THE MILLION." 



" Gather up the Fragments." j 

.^S OF CO/V^ 



(^ J^o .GA. 




>, ^^879. ^y 

EASTON, PA. Oc v/*'^.'-*^^^ '^ 

FREE PRESS STEAM PUBLISHING HOUSE. 
1879. 



^ 






Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, 

By Rev. 1). V. HEISLER. 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. D. C, 



ESTEEMED FRIEND AND PRECEPTOR, 



Prof. WILLIAM M. NEYIN, Esq., 



Little l^olume 



GRATEFULLY TXSCRlBEl). 



PREFACE. 



This unpretending little volume is made up of Poems written 
during my leisure hours, and, with slight exceptions, in the ex- 
act order in which they are now published. Quite a number of 
them were composed on special occasions, and by request ; some 
of them for children and young persons, which, accordingly, are 
gotten up in a style and language adapted to the taste and capac- 
ities of the parties for whom they were designed. This fact will 
account for the peculiar style and versification of some of the 
pieces. They are the simple echoes of the heart, and now come 
before the public without any pretensions — claiming no special 
merit, either literary or poetic. All they seek, is, to be useful 
and entertaining to persons of a chaste and earnest spirit, by pre- 
senting important popular and religious truths in language, sim- 
ple, direct, and pleasing — aided by rythm and numbers. 

For reasons which are deemed satisfactory, a few very early 
productions have been retained ; for which we beg the reader's 
indulgence. It is hard to disown a child, however uncomely it 
may be. The book, indeed, does not profess to be a selection of 
choice Poems, only, but rather an artless collection of fugitive 
pieces, given very much in the form and order in which they were 
composed. We ask that this fact may be kept in mind while 
forming a judgment on their merits. The word Aesthetic, 
found on the Title-page, is employed to designate those pieces, 
which, though not strictly religious, do yet treat of the true and 
beautiful in Nature and Providence, and, therefore, ought not to 
be stigmatized as profane, or secular, even, in the popular sense of 



these terms. They come legitimately within the sphere of the 
hmnan, the ethical, the aesthetic, being, in their nature and ten- 
dency, pure, chaste, elevating, and refining ! 

Whilst the language and style, as well as the subjects of the 
several compositions, are, thus, simple and unpretending, it is 
nevertheless hoped that they will not be found wanting in that 
refinement and deUcacy of feeling and sentiment, and that chaste- 
ness of thought and expression, which are classed among the 
chief elements of true poetry. 

The publication of these Poems, it may be added, is owing to 
the partiality and expressed wishes of a few personal friends, fully 
as much as to the Author's own judgment of propriety and duty in ji 
the case. His only wish, now, is — that, in their present form, 
they may serve to amuse and gratify these special and interested 
friends, and, at the same time, afford true comfort and spiritual 
edification to his fellow pilgrims, generally, on Life's weary way — 
to the praise and glory of Him "from whom cometh down every 
good and perfect gift." 

Easton, Pa., Easter Monday, 1S7'.>. i' 

I 



CONTENTS. 



Dedication 3 

Preface "i 

Proem— Excelsior 11 

The Wreathed Cross 13 

Meditations— A Soliloquy 17 

The Date Palm 19 

Childhood 22 

Asleep in Jesus, 24 

The Nativity, 25 

Rest for the Weary, 2C 

Xe\v-year"s Vision 27 

The Epiphany SO 

Slaughter of the Innocents 3?> 

The Flight into Egypt 34 

'• Fear not little Flock" 37 

Dare to do Right 39 

The Beatitudes 39 

Love your Home 42 

Around the AltarTwining 42 

The Last Supper 43 

Gathering in the Rose-biids 44 

The Happy Choice 46 

" Thou art so Sweet" 48 

Tekel: or, The Sinner Tested 50 

Comforts of Religion 52 

Thine Alone ; 53 



Praise the Lord .'14 

'TLs not in Vain .V) 

The Christian's Iniieritance :>(") 

Praise in Natnre r>7 

Contrast in Death .').s 

Triumphs of the (tospel (il 

Carrier's Address (>■_* 

Bartimeus: or. Jesus and tlic Hliud Man CiC. 

Gratitude (ill 

Lines for an Alburn 70 

The Rich Man and Lazarus 71 

Christian rnion— To a Friend at l'artin«r 7:! 

The Sinner Saved 74 

Worth of the Bible 7r. 

Cliild's Morninp: Hymn 77 

The Victor Slain 7s 

Child's Eveninjr Hymn SO 

Sweet Surprise 81 

The Sabbath 88 

Invocation H4 

Storm at Sea S'i 

Spring H7 

Visions of Heaven 8'.» 

Hoses on a (Jrave <>fi 

The Voice of Praise ifO 

Lost and Saved iH 

Jesus All in All <i:! 

The ('harni>i of i\cliji-ion 94 

(ilory of the Cross 1)5 

Where are They? !n; 

Xew-year's (Jreeting <t7 

Blest in Christ KlO 

Acrostic— Impromi)tu 101 

The Caged Dove 102 

Child's Dedication Hymn 104 

Lines on the Above 105 

Lines to a Bereaved Sister lOG 



rOXTENTS. IX 

rancharis— A Paraphrase 107 

Welcome to "X. Y. Z." the Second 109 

Don't Abuse this Sportive Day 110 

Acrostic and Reflections 112 

The Prodigal Son 114 

Martyr Hymn of the Early Church 117 

Grabschrift 118 

Hymn of St. Clement 118 

Heaven 120 

The Marys at the Savioiir's Tomb 121 

Grabschrift 122 

Dare to be True 122 

Album— " White " 123 

The Pilgrims' Song 124 

Happy in God's Love 129 

Jesus— the Source of Bliss 131 

Thy People Greet 133 

From Forty-nine to Fifty 134 

For an Album 138 

I wish her Dream were True 139 

Model Women lio 

Christ appearing to the two ]\Iarys Ill 

Cantique du Veteran 143 

Impromptu on Writing a Composition 144 

Visit of the Magi 144 

Lines on Faith 145 

Be Content 147 

Lines for Lizzie 148 

To my Wife 149 

They All say so 150 

Dedication for an Album 152 

Welcome to my Redeemer 152 

Ministers of Christ 153 

The Angel-greeting 153 

New-year's Address 154 

Love and Hate 157 

Something for Children 158 



X ('OXTENTS. 

Our Sainted Loved Ones l.')ii 

The Good Man"s Life KU 

The Servants of Christ Ifil 

Lines on the Fable of the Rain Drops Ifi2 

Thy Will be Done 163 

Allesist Eitel— Ein Traum Ifi") 

The Home Above ir.7 

Inscription ICu 

On losing- a check sent by Mail I(i8 

Lines for an Autojjraph Album 169 

Alienation of my Signature 169 

The Katydid 170 

" Pearl of the Park" 17J 

The Whip-poor-will 17") 

To my Niece 177 

The Golden Wedding 178 

The Olive Tree 179 

The Christian Home 181 

Our little Winged Pets 183 

"Mother, Home, and Heaven" 185 

Dedication for an Autograph Album 186 

The Reapers 186 

The Sower and the Seed 188 

The Morning Cometh, and also the Night 189 

Behold! I Come Quickly 191 

Lines on Death 193 

Reflections on tlie Resurrection 19') 

Heaven : or. the Everlasting Rest 19(> 



PROEM— EXCELSIOR. 



The mind plays queen— her Empire wide and firm, 
Her Coronet of sparkling gems and gold— 
Her Sceptre mighty, and her sway supreme ; 
Endowed with rarest gifts— with potencies 
On the realms supernal well-nigh trenching. 
Yet, crude and primitive, the mind is weak, 
Shackled, and in its progress stayed— inapt, 
"And of its dole restrict." — Immured within 
Its prison-house of clay, and captive held. 
Impatient tho' it yearns and frets — it can't 
Exert at once, its own sweet native force ; 
Its range, conditioned, widens by degrees. 
At times, indeed, it mounts with eagle-wing 
The whirlwinds dizzy chariot, and, enshrined 
In royal state, brings forth, in splendid forms. 
The lofty thoughts imagination moulds ! 
At times, again, descending deep to scenes 
Of philosophic strife, it fain would pluck 
From off the sacred shrine the golden fruit. 
But flights, like these, and dives to regions deep. 
Where Nature's scenes, sublime, enchant the soul. 
Belong, alas, to minds mature and cultured. 
Skilled in lofty science — enriched with stores 
Of ancient and of modern lore, high-prized. 
The progress, which, in mounting step by step 
The giddy heights of truth and knowledge deep, 



PROEM EXCELSIOR. 

The mind achieves, these pages fain would show. 
At difF'rent points of life, my pen shall draw 
Some pictures to mark the mental vigor — 
Some lines by which, hereafter, I may trace 
The progress of the mind ; and, while I thus 
Record its silent growth, may all conspire 
To fill, with sentiments of grateful love. 
My soul, elate for God's rich bounty shared, 
And crown with honors high my blessed Lord ! 



i 




roHB. 



O Lamlo of God — the pure — 

I long for Thee alone, 
Thy blood doth peace secure, 

Thy wounds for sin atone 5 
And, counting all things loss, 

I fix my hopes above. 
And twine around Thy cross 

A wreath of purest love ! 

When sadness o'er me creeps, 

And gloomy shades prevail, 
When night its vigil keeps. 

And passions fierce assail — 
Then, Dearest Jesus, be 

My soul's sweet morning star; 
Thy light shall comfort me, 

Brio^ht orleamino' from afar! 



14 THK AVKKATIIKI) CROSS. 

Around the hallowed cross 

The heart's affections twine, 
And, midst the heaviest loss, 

Their gushin<j streams combine; 
They form a mi«:hty flood, 

With ofenial warmth ajjlow, 
And find, in Jesns' blood, 

A sweet and placid flow! 

wondrous cross — to me 
The source of purest joy — 

From condemnation free, 

Swcf^t tho'ts my heart employ. 

1 upward look to Thee, 

Laml) of God, most dear, 
And, in Life's l)ook, I see 
My pardon full and clear! 

When light within doth shine. 

And sheds sweet comfort round, 
When every blessing's mine, 

And joys supreme abound — 
'Tis, then, I think of Thee, 

Dear Jesus, and Thy cross. 
And, (), this comforts me. 

My gain stands in Thy loss ! 

When days grow dark and drear. 

And nights are thick with gloom. 
When friends nor ])leasures cheer, 

Nor peace in me finds room, 
0, then, I turn mine eyes 

To dear Golgotha's brow, 
And every shadow flies — 

Sweet peace is round me now ! 



THE WREATHED CROSS. 15 

Thy l)leediiig love, dear Lord, 

My tremblinf^ soul assures, 
The promise of Thy word 

My future bliss secures ; 
For, in Thy wondrous cross. 

With sacred blood bedewed, 
I hail, 'midst outward loss. 

My inner life renewed ! 

What honors shall I bring, 

Dear Saviour, to Thy name ? 
What anthems shall I sing 

To Thee of ancient fame ? 
My heart, aglow with love, 

To highest praise aspires. 
And, from the realms above, 

Thy life my spirit fires ! 

wondrous gift to me, 

This gift of life divine. 
Conjoined my soul with Thee, 

Make Thou me wholly Thine ; 
My life I bring to Thee, 

Nor aught esteem I loss, 
For what is dear to me, 

I twine around Thy cross I 

And, if, with cares opprest, 

I wander here and there, 
And find no soothing rest, 

No answer to my pray'r, 
Then, hail I Jesus, slain. 

Fixed on the crimson cross ; 
And gladly count that gain 

Which was my greatest loss ! 



1(3 THE WREATHED CROSS. 

My hearty now calm and free^ 

Is filled with love divine^ 
And, gazing still on Thee, 

I hail Thee, Jesus, mine j 
Then round the cross is seen 

A halo bright and fair, 
And earth and sky, I ween, 

Are bathed in fulgent air I 

How sweet is life, and bright, 

When Thy free grace is nigh ; 
How soft and clear the light. 

Which Cometh from on high ; 
And yet, my dearest Lord, 

I need Thee every hour, 
I need Thy conq'ring word, 

I need Thy saving power ! 

When Death, with sable wing. 

Sweeps o'er my pilgrim way y 
When foes to conflict bring 

Their hosts in fierce array — 
Then, Christ, in Thee secure, 

I'll hasten to Thy cross — 
Thy blood doth make me pure, 

Thy grace repairs my loss ! 

At length, when life is o'er, 

And all its tears are shed, 
When placed on Canaan's shore, 

Amid the sainted dead — 
Then, Jesus, free from dross, 

I'll worship Thee above, 
And tAvine around Thy cross 

A wreath of perfect love ! 



MEDITATIONS— A SOLILOQUY. 

Infinite Goodness! say, what meed of praise, 
What love, what gratitude is due Thy grace ? 
What sentiments should in my bosom glow. 
And from my pen what tho'ts exclusive flow ? 

When all Thy varied mercies I review— r 
Thy kindness shown, each morn and evening new. 
Each want supplied from out Thy boundless stores, 
My heart o'erflows, my wondering soul adores ! 

And shall I hush? — conceal these gifts divine. 
And in this swelling heart my tho'ts confine ? 
Or shall I speak Thy love — Thy grace declare, 
And with me cause each, all, these gifts to share ? 

Great source of Light — do Thou my bosom fill 
With tho'ts that live and gently sway the will : 
And may my soul — illumined from above, 
Incessant feel and gladly speak Thy love ! 

Where'er I stray or turn my ravished eyes, 
Such scenes of grandeur to my vision rise — ■ 
Such beauty, grace, and loveliness combine, 
As show the hand that made them is divine ! 



Here on this earth and in yon vaulted sky, 
A thousand tokens of Thy Love I 'spy, — 
Each twinkling star appears a gem of light. 
To beautify the varied scenes of night. 



18 MEDITATIONS. 

And, 0, when I with steady gaze survey 
The radiant scenes of night and charms of day, 
My spirit, winged with rays of purest love, 
In vision soars to sweetest joys above ! 

Yet other wonders, more stupendous still, 
Do the blest pages of Thy volume fill — 
Tis there, I ween, the depths of love divine 
Do in their most resplendent beauties shi 



ne! 



'Tis there we learn — the only wisdom this — 
The way to present joy and future bliss ; 
How sinners lost may be restored to God 
And saved by virtue of redeeming blood ! 

How condescending and how strangely kind 
Seems the Divine Restorer of mankind ; 
His love so boundless, so exceeding great, 
He died — to glory changed our vile estate ! 

'Twas not for self the Son of God came down. 
And cheerful wore on earth the Martyr's crown ; 
His loving Heart, by pure compassion moved, 
Urged him to leave what He so dearly loved. 

He left his Home on high, and hkkk became 
A man of deepest sorrow, grief and shame 5 
Betrayed by secret foes — by friends denied, 
To court and judgment led — then crucified ! 

My dearest Lord — my Saviour and my God, 
AVhat varied paths of anguish hast Thou trod. 
And yet hoAv feebly burns the flame of love, 
take my Heart — fix all my thoughts above ! 



THE DATE PALM. 19 

'Mid trials sore and persecution's frown, 

Help me to wear, Avith Thee, the thorny crown •, 

And when Life's every ill I've meekly borne. 

Then take me, Lord^ where mourners cease to mourn. 



THE DATE PALM. 

Majestic — in the barren waste — 
The Date Palm springeth up in haste ; ' 
Straight, as an arrow shot from bow. 
Doth it, the prince of fruit trees grow, 
In verdure fair, 'mid burning sands. 
The pride and boast of desert stands ; 
As upward to the clouds it shoots. 
It, also, deeply strikes its roots. 
'Tis needful that its base be firm 
To guarranty a lengthened term 5 
For, when the tree so lofty grows. 
The tempest, also, rudely blows 5 
And, then, the tree, so slim and straight, 
Disports a top of extra weight — 
The trunk encircling far aloft, 
Are leaves, amazing, thick and soft ; 
And then the fruit, in clusters found, 
Grows thick and close the tree around, 
Which, as it may be well supposed, 
Is oft to passing winds exposed ; 
These, sweeping o'er the arid plain. 
And, all things striking in their train. 
Would hurl the giant to the ground, 
Were not its moorings solid found. 
But, most of all, the tree, designed 
For wand'ring hordes to wilds assigned. 



20 THK DATE PALM. 

Is thus conserved and useful made, 

With food unitinjT orateful shade ; 

And, jrroaning 'neath its precious boon, 

It, sheltVing, cheers the heart at noon ; 

And eve and morn the Bedouin 

For food and shelter there is seen. 

These children of the desert wild,', 

By its sweet umbrage thus beguiled, 

And, feasting on its luscious fruit, 

Make it the object of pursuit — 

Accounting it the richest boon, 

A grateful screen from sun and moon ; 

For, pleasant tho' its fruit may be, 

Its cooling shade, as each can see, 

Is equally as dear to them — 

The wand'ring, restless sons of Shem. 

But, Oh ! the wonders of this tree, 

Are greater yet by for, you see, 

For every part is useful found, 

From top e'en down unto the ground : 

The trunk elastic wood doth yield, • 

To furnish them with bow and shield ; 

The bark is twisted into cords, 

To string the bows of savage lords ; 

The leaves, to roof the tents, are spread, 

Or, beaten soft, they form their bed ; 

The fruit yields them a grateful drink 

Which helps the Arab mind to think ; 

Nor prize they wine and date alone, 

A usance greater far they own ; 

The seeds, esteemed of equal good, 

Do form the patient camel's food. 

But who may venture, thus, to state 

The endless uses of the Date ? 

It comfort brings to man and beast, 



THE DATE PALM, 21 

And in the desert spreads a feast. 
Its wondrous uses, Arabs say, 
Are — one to each recarring day; 
Three hundred, thus, and sixty-five, 
Which keep them all the~year alive. 
No marvel, then, that they should call 
The Palm — the noblest tree of all, 
Esteem it God's best gift to them. 
The wild and roving sons of Shem ; 
And for it yield, with hearts elate. 
Their thanks each day to Allah great ! 

KEFLECTIONS. 

Majestic Tree ! — In deserts wild. 

Men laud thee for thy gifts so mild ; 

Nor would to thee our hearts deny 

This tribute of laudations high ; 

For great thy patent virtues are, 

And hidden ones surpass them far, 

If not in number, yet in grade — 

Of nobler things the emblems made. 

The trunk, so lofty and so straight. 

Doth show the Christian's high estate ; 

Thy leaves and branches, up so far, 

The signet of his virtues are ; 

Thy luscious fruit, so rich and sweet, 

Yields of his life an emblem meet ; 

Thy branches, in their fadeless green. 

Are oft in glad processions seen ; 

Thus, when the Lord, His labors closed, 

To enter Salem's gates proposed. 

His princely honor to maintain. 

Thy branches graced the royal train ; 

For multitudes, on that bright day, 

With palm and vestments strewed the way ! 

Yet further, still, thy fame extends 



22 CHILDHOOD. 

To higher worlds and nol)ler ends ^ 
For, when His glories were displayed, 
By Saints, in snow-white robes arraved, 
Then of that bright, triumphant baud 
Each one a palm-branch bore in hand : 
The Palm — a sign of vict'ry gained, 
The glist'ning robes of bliss obtained ! 
Their robes made white in Jesus' l)l()(t(L 
Their vict'ry speaks the purple flood ; 
And cross and crown, in sweet accord. 
Bear witness to our blessed Lord, 
While robes of white and branches green. 
As emblems of His work, are seen •, 
The Palm is, thus, in honor found — 
In em'rald wreaths the cross around ! 



CHILDHOOD. 



When Fancy sweeps the distant past, 

And wakes to life what happened then. 
The fairy things appear so fast 

That they defy the readiest pen ; 
Each moment brings some magic form 

With rain-bow tints all fair and bright ; 
The day knows naught of cloud or storm, 

And moon and stars illume the night ! 

How radiant shines the rising sun — 

How soft and fair the landscape round ! 
How sweet the hours, and full of fun, 

And woods and hills with song resound ! 
Sweet days of Childhood ! how dear 

That age so free from sin and care ! 
How brilliant all things then appear, 

How well the little pilgrims fare ! 



CHILDHOOD. 

Their joys, at early morn begun, 

Are glowing yet at clay's decline ; 
And e'en the gleams of setting sun 

Still in their hearts effulgent shine. 
How HAPPY, thus, at dawn of day. 

When Nature seems so bright and fail 
How spry and blithesome in their play. 

With hearts as free and light as air ! 

Out in the fields and meadows, they 

With agile limbs and spirits high, 
Pursue the gold-wing'd bugs of May, 

Or chase the painted butterfly ; 
Sweet roses, found in hedge or field, 

With eager haste they gather there, 
And bogs and fens must likewise yield 

Their share of lilies pure and fair! 

Thus, roaming gay, o'er hill and dale, 

They make the boundless forest ring, 
With sportive shouts their hearts regale. 

And, laughing, their sweet ditties sing. 
The trees must cater to their wants. 

The festooned vines afford a swing, 
And bush and bough, in gloomy haunts, 

Must each its share of pleasure bring. 

Sweet age of innocence and joy — 

Of festive days and dreamless nights, 
What sorrow can thy peace destroy, 

What grief alloy thy pure delights ! 
How, often, from Life's scenes of care, 

My longing heart reverts to thee. 
Once more thj peerless joys to share, 

While mingling in thy childish glee ! 



23 



24 ciin.DiiooD. 

O could we but this s^cene prolong, 

And still possess, without alloy, 
The gladsome hours, the thrill, the song. 

The echo of that earlier joy ! 
Ah ! could we but in fancy bring 

Those fragrant seasons back again, 
How would we then rejoice and sing. 

And, rapt, forget each tort'ring pain ! 

Blest time of innocence and love, 

So like that primal age of earth. 
When, in each fragrant field and grove, 

Was heard the voice of sacred mirth ; 
When ev'ry tree, and shrub, and tlower, 

111 ceaseless flow, sweet incense breathed. 
And in, and through fair Rden's bow'r, 

Each object was in beauty wreathed ! 

That season ne'er shall come again. 

To bring its sweet enjoyments back j 
My time is that of grief and pain. 

In comforts tho' it doth not lack ; 
But, looking o'er the beauteous past, 

In fancy, free from sin and pain, 
I hope, thro' grace divine, at last 

To be a child in truth again ! 



ASLEEP IN JESUS. 

There is a calm, a sweet repose 

For those who sleep in Jesus blest ; 

Thev safely 'bide, secure from foes, 
And on the Saviour's bosom rest. 



THE NATIVITY. 

The shepherds, "neath an Eastern sky, 

Were watching o'er their flocks by night, 
When, suddenly, there gleamed on high 

A splendor 'bove the noon-day light ; 
For, lo, an Angel from the throne 

In glory came upon them there 5 
A heavenly light around them shone, 

And they, afraid, the glory share ! 

Then kindly did the Angel say— 

" Fear not, glad tidings you I bring ; 
For unto you is born to-day 

In Bethlehem a Saviour — ^king. 
Great joy and gladness now shall see, 

All kindred tribes of human kind; 
And of this joy — the sign shall be 

In manger that the babe ye find." 

The story scarcely had been told, 

Then brilliant forms swept o'er the plain ; 
A multitude their Prince enfold, 

Loud praising God in lofty strain, 
Exultant shouting — as they sang — 

" Be glory now to God most High," 
"And peace on earth," the chorus rang, 

" Good will to men," both far and nigh ! 



26 THE XATIVITY. 

Soon as the charming song had ceased, 

And angel-bands to heav'n were gone, 
The shepherds, from their spell released, 

Were, thoughtful, left to muse alone ; 
And each, instinctive, said and thought, 

"Come now — let's go to Bethlehem, 
There see the wonder God hath wrought, 

The wonder God hath wrought for men !'' 

Still prompted by th* angelic song, 

The shepherds haste to reach the spot, 
And, by the spirit borne along. 

Their feet, so nimble, weary not ; 
Anon they reach the destined place, 

Their joy — what mortal can define? 
The Angel's word, fulfilled, they trace, 

With Mary find the babe Divine I 

wondrous sight ! bliss divine ! 

With sacred joy their hearts o'erflow, 
Th' incarnate myst'ry they opine, 

And worship Jesus — bending low ; 
Then hast'ning to their tented fields, 

They all along the news proclaim ; 
Enraptured, glad, each bosom yields 

A grateful song to Jesus' Name I 



REST FOR THE WEARY. 

There is for weary pilgrims found 
A rest from all their toils and cares, 

A Home, where joys supreme abound, 
A bliss, wherein each wand'rer shares ; 

To this dear rest — this home above, 

Are o-athered all the sons of love ! 



NEW-YEAR'S VISION. 

Once struggling up a rugged steep, 

What TIME I cannot say/ 
I reached the mountain's lofty peak, 

Thence sloping either way — 
And down the hill on either side 

I saw a spacious plain, 
It seemed much like a chequer-board, 

Tho' not alike the twain : 

The ONE, o'erhung by gloomy shades. 

Without ONE brilliant ray, 
The only Light by mortals seen, 

Was like to " dawn of day ;" 
The other, "neath a cloudless sky. 

Was brighter far, and fair. 
And yet the plain seemed varied by 

A shadow here and there ! 

Across this chequered plain I 'spied 

The pathway trod by me 5 
The length — if I remember right — 

Was thirty miles and three ; 
Enough — my sluggish spirit seemed 

Aroused to strong desire, 
And in my waking eyes now beamed 

The meditative iire. 



28 NEW-YEAR S VISION. 

While gazing pensive on the scenes, 

Which 'round this pathway lay, 
And anxiously concerned to know 

How I had passed that way ; 
An Angel, clothed in purest white, 

Stood by — with wisdom rife— 
And kindly offered to unfold 

The myst'ry of my life ! 

He gently raised his hand and said 

'' Far yonder — do you see 
A spot in richest garb arrayed, 

From sorrows mostly free. 
And, in that spot of innocence. 

An object strange and new, 
An INFANT watched by Providence, 

That infant once were you ! 



'' The garden gate is open wide, 

The infant, now a boy. 
Is out among the pit-falls seen, 

Of laughter full and joy- 
E'en there God's arm protected him, 

But HOW no mortal knew, 
Unharmed the wayward boy is seen, 

That wayward boy — were you I 

" Full out upon Life's chequered plain, 

More perilous than all. 
Behold what crowds of heedless youth 

Are yearly seen to fall 5 
But ONE, by sovereign grace, is seen 

In Christ created new 5 
That rescued one — favored youth — 

That KESCUED one — were you ! 



xew-year's vision. 



29 



" And now upon this lofty ridge, 

Of manhood's riper years, 
Review Life's imperfections all, 

With penitential tears — 
And, 0, with manly gratitude 

In every such review. 
Confess the Grace of Him who could 

Such mercy grant to you !" " 

Thus far the Angel : When he ceased 

My heart grew faint within 5 
I saw me, with a vasty crowd. 

Still here exposed to sin — 
While down on yonder side the ridge, 

Dark lay the gloomy plain ; 
I begged him to my friends and me 

The FUTURE to explain. 

In answer to my earnest pray'r, 

The Angel friend replied 5 
" To mortals what is future yet, 

Is wisely here denied — 
Be quiet, then, and childlike look 

To Him alone who knows ; 
Whatever lies within this plain 

The Future will disclose ! 



" One thing or two I fain would tell, 

And solemn things they are. 
How sinners may escape from hell, 

And life eternal share ; 
One Light — the light of life — is come 

To chase the gloom away, 
And thro' the darkest shades of night 

To lead to endless day. 



;^0 - THE EPIPHANY. 

"■ Grod, in the gospel of His Sou, 

Invites His children home, 
And offers 'grace' to cheer them on, 

Each FOE to overcome 5 
Gives Faith to conquer death and hell. 

And Hope to make them strong, 
And Love, the bond of perfectness, 

To bind the happy throng. 

And see what boundless stores of grace 

In Jesus Christ are found, 
Life, peace, and joy to every soul, 

That hears the blissful sound ; 
And in His Word the choicest rules 

To mortal man are given — 
Directions how to walk secure 

Thro' yonder plain to Heaven I" 

'Tis well — I knew it must be so 

Just as the Angel said ; 
'Tis rashness to attempt to know 

That which is future yet ; 
God ! may I be satisfied 

With what each good man hath, 
Thy Word — "a lamp to guide my feet, 

A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH." 



THE EPIPHANY. 

Sages — from the Orient far — 
Gazing on the azure dome. 

Saw a strange — a wondrous star 
Lurinof them away from home 



THE EPIPHANY. 



31 



For it spake of One who came 
To fulfill the hopes of old, 

What the Seers in vision claim, 
What the prophets had foretold. 

In the clear nocturnal sky 

Still they saw the triple star, 
Shining in its sphere so high, 

Shining near and shining far ; 
Dreams of ancient visions came 

Floating on the midnight air. 
Kindling in their hearts a flame 

Pure and lofty — bright and fair ! 

Hasting they — the mystic three — 

Magi high in story famed. 
Came the wond rous child to see, 

Child in vision Jesus named ; 
When the promised babe was born, 

Born a king in Bethlehem, 
On that fair and brightest morn 

Came the Orient sons of Shem ! 



Joyous, bright, the Magi came. 

Came, in eager haste, to seek — 
Seek Him of the mystic name. 

Born a king, so mild and meek ; 
" In the East, His star we've seen — 

Seen it brilliant, seen it dim ; 
Guided by the radiant sheen. 

We have come to worship Him !" 

Vexed, alarmed, the tyrant king, 
Greatly moved, the story hears. 

Learned Rabbles doth he bring 
To allay his doubts and fears ; 



32 THE EPIPHANY. 

And of them doth now demand 
Where Messiah should be born ; 

" Here," say they — " in Judah-land, 
Blessed now, tho' erst forlorn !" 

Then the despot — greatly ired — 

Called the Magi whom he feared, 
Earnestly of thein inquired 

When the mystic star appeared ; 
*' Go"— saith he— "to Bethlehem, 

Seek the wond'rous child and bring 
Word to me in haste again — 

I, too, would adore the kin^." 



Heard the crafty tyrant's word, 
Hastily they sped their way ; 
And the star, which they had seen 
In the Orient sky serene, 
Went before them till it came 
Standing o'er the spot — the same 
Where the infant Saviour lay ! 

Fairly now the house within. 

They with Mary see the child. 
Bending low, they worship Him, 

Worship Christ — the meek, the mild 
And, their treasures op'ning wide. 

Rarest gifts of gold they bring, 
Frankincense and myrrh beside 

Oflfer they to Christ — their king ! 

Once their willing service done, 
Service rendered to their Lord, 

Homeward haste they, and anon 
God doth kindly aid afford — 



SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENTS. 33 

Warns them Herod not to see, 

Homeward go another way ; 
Heeding, they the tyrant flee, 

Glad — the voice of God obey ! 

Grateful for this help divine, 

They with joy their steps retrace ; 
Still the mystic star doth shine. 

Shines effulgent in its place ; 
Guided by His light serene, 

Err they not, nor aimless roam ; 
Fended 'neath the radiant sheen. 

They in safety reach their home ! 



SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENTS. 

Heard ye, elate, th' enrapt'ring strains 
Erst sweeping o'er Judea's plains. 

In sweet celestial lays ? 
They were the songs of angels bright 
Rejoicing in the coming light — 

The light of better days ! 

That joy is changed to tort'ring fears. 
And eyes are moist with briny tears, 

Which now in torrents fall ; 
And hearts, with gladness full of late, 
Now drain the bitter cup of fate — 

Of wormwood and of gall ! 

The Despot, by the wise men mocked, 
Is mad with rage, and men are shocked 

With horrid deeds of blood ; 
For, sending forth his servile hosts, 
Of vict'ry o'er the weak he boasts, 

Avenged in crimson flood I 



34 THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT. 

Fulfilled is what the prophets spake, 
In Rama all of grief partake — 

A plaintive voice is heard ; 
The voice of mourning, sad and deep, 
For Rachel doth her children weep, 

And weeps with hope deferred ! 

bloody scene ! cruel fate ! 
Where all was peace and joy of late, 

Now sorrow reigns supreme 5 
There lamentation loud and strong. 
And mourning o'er the cruel wrong, 

Are found in their extreme ! 

The blood of infant martyrs shed, 
In vengeance, thus, to slaughter led. 

No longer they are near | 
Sweel Innocents in crowds are slain. 
And comfort none doth now remain 

The smitten heart to cheer ! 



THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT. 

Rapture reigned in Judah, then, 
• Joy the heaving bosom thrilled ; 
For the cherished hope of men, 

For the promise was fulfilled ; 
Yet the welkin, dank and dark, 

Presaged trouble — presaged pain. 
And the prudent eye could mark 

Wrath-clouds gath'ring o'er the plain. 



THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT. 35 

Scarce the Magi yet are gone, 

When an Angel from above 
Comes to Joseph — sad and lone — 

In a dream, with words of love, 
Saying : " rise, and take the child. 

Child so tender— dear to thee — 
With his mother meek and mild, 

To the land of Egypt flee ! 

" There remain, till thee I bring 

Word of comfort, word of joy; 
For the bloody tyrant-king 

Seeks the infant to destroy." 
Going thence, in haste, he took 

Mary with the babe divine 5 
Glad, the tyrant's realm forsook, 

Safety sought in foreign clime ! 

Stayed he in that land remote, 

Sheltered by the arm divine. 
Until God in judgment smote 

Herod of the scheme malign 5 
That the mystic word of old 

Might receive its sense anon, 
'' Out of Egypt have I called. 

Called my well-beloved Son." 

Safe — protected were the three, 

Aided still by might divine ; 
From the dread of tyrants free. 

Exiled, they do not repine ; 
Once the tyrant dead and gone, 

Joseph, now, no longer fears ; 
For an Angel from the throne 

To him in a dream appears. 



• E.L.~Ta:^ r^~ — -"lie Ajrjgjl ssai — 



Xi^ ::■— '^ — i.- — -- — 

'S'lxri ix 5tJ3ziri£i -- — 

••V-sr lie- snm. sitLj il' 



"FEAB NOT LTTTLE FLOCK. 

Ye frieatis of die Savi.jur. 

And firiea'is of manMfld^ 
Come let tis eadeavor 

Witk heart and wiuh. nmid. 
The Gi3d of all mereies. 

Tte G»:»d of all .sraee. 
To serve and to tonoor^ 

To lore aad to praise ! 

His go«>iiiess has kept as 

In days that are gone. 
His graee will sBstaiii as 

In time that's to et>me : 
This truth is so preeiotts. 

This hope is s<3 dear. 
That, living or djing. 

We never shall fear ! 

The God that made heaven. 

The earth, and the seas. 
Poth He not sustain them 

So long as He please ? 
And whv — so maeh &vored. 

Shoold WE not eonSde 
In Him who has made us 

And ALL thin^ beside ? 



38 FEAR NOT LITTLE FLOCK. 

" If you, that are evil," 

The Lord doth inquire, 
" Do grant to your children 

The gifts they desire ; 
Much LESS will your Father, 

Whose dwelling's on high, 
The things ye have need of 

To yoa e'er deny. 

'' The voice of the raven, 

That sails in the air, 
Your Father in heaven 

With pity doth hear; 
With food He supplies them 

Tho' num'rous they be ; 
But, 0, ye distrustful. 

Much better are ye ! 

"And think of the lilies 

That grow in the field ; 
They toil not — they spin not, 

Nor increase they yield ; 
Yet God doth array them 

In robes that are gay ; 
And why should less goodness 

To you. He display ?" 

Then fear not, beloved, 

Nor faint on the road. 
Since God will supply us 

With raiment and food ; 
Come, let us take courage 

And hope for the day. 
When Christ in His mercy, 

Shall call us away! 



THE BEATITUDES. 



39 



Yea, let us be constant, 

Nor yield to dismay, 
And God will in season, 

His glory display ; 
At length, from all sorrows 

He'll free us, His blest. 
And grant us an entrance 

To non-ending rest ! 



DARE TO DO RIGHT. 

God is faithful, just, and true, 
And will kindly care for you — 
Bravely, then, the right pursue, 

As is due ! 



THE BEATITUDES. 



Once,- weary with the cares of earth, 

The Lord of life was found 
Ensconsed upon the mountain side, 

With multitudes around ; 
And, gazing on the eager crowd. 

Who craved the light above, 
He oped His sacred lips, and spake 

In words of purest lov6 : 

Lo, " blessed" they, the weary ones, 

Whom earth unhappy calls 5 
On them, in sweet and tender notes. 

The " benediction" falls ; 
They be the richest far on earth 

That are in spirit poor ; 
For theirs the heavn ly kingdom is. 

And theirs for evermore. 



40 THE BEATITUDES. 

Yea, " blessed" are the contrite ones, 

The burthened souls that mourn ; 
The Lord will hear their plaintive groans. 

To joy their sadness turn ; 
For, in the heaving breast is found 

A soil productive, pure. 
And every grace shall there abound, 

And joy divine be sure ! 

Supremely " blessed" are the meek, 

Who, fearing God, obey — 
And, longing for salvation, seek 

To walk in wisdom's way ; 
For they, the blessed heirs of life. 

The sons of heav'nly birth. 
Are made to share in present bliss. 

Inheritors of earth ! 

And " blessed" are the famished ones, 

That hunger and do thirst, 
And "righteousness" in earnest seek. 

And seek this blessing first ; 
Yea, blessed are these weary ones, 

As God their bliss hath willed, 
For they, the poor and needy, shall 

With joys divine be ''filled." 

And "blessed are the merciful," 

The tender and the kind — 
The sympathising friends of all. 

The lovers of mankind ; 
For they, in darkest seasons found, 

In anguish of the mind. 
Shall, even then, in bliss abound, 

Sweet mercy they shall find ! 



THE BEATITUDES. 41 

Thrice "blessed are the pure in heart," 

The faithful and the true, 
Who long with all on earth to part, 

And higher ends pursue 5 
For they, in all that greets them here, 

In earth and sea combined, 
In forest, field, and sky, shall see 

A God supremely kind ! 

And "blessed" they, who, hating strife. 

The ways of peace pursue, 
And, following thus the Prince of Life, 

Are found to virtue true ; 
Renewed in heart, the Holy one 

Says 5 "they shall all be mine, 
Blest children of the living God, 

And heirs of life divine." 

And " blessed" they, the pure and good, 

The righteous and the just — 
With every gift of grace adorned, 

And free from every lust ; 
Who, for their goodness, suffer wrath 

And persecutions dire ; 
For theirs are joy and heav'nly bliss, 

Such as the saints desire ! 

And chiefly ye, the friends of truth, 

Enlightened from on high, 
Who, faithful to your Sov'reign Lord, 

Proclaim Him far and nigh ; 
Supremely "blessed" are ye just, 

That goodness still pursue, 
Tho' by the wicked world arraigned 

For what is good and true. 



42 AROUND THE ALTAR TWINIXG. 

" Rejoice, and be exceeding glad," 

Ye servants of the Lord — 
Triumphant lift your heads on high, 
" For great is your reward ;" 
I For so the ancient prophets fared, 

j The faithful and the true ; 

j Whom wicked men did persecute, 

With vengeance did pursue ! 



LOVE YOUR HOME. 

Once the soul, in thought estranged, 
Frets in discontent at home, 

Soon it, then — all things arranged — 
Lonofs in distant lands to roam ! 



AROUND THE ALTAR TWINING. 

Around the altar twining 

Affections warm and pure. 
In faith and love combining, 

The crown of life secure ; 
Nor fear nor danger heeding, 

The heart, thus firm and strong, 
Tho' wily lusts are pleading, 

Instinctive shuns the wrong. 

Around the altar twining 

Affections warm and pure. 
In light and beauty shining. 

To life and bliss allure 5 
The Lord, the mighty, shielding 

His children 'neath His arm, 
Nor to the tempter yielding. 

Preserves them free from harm. 



THE LAST SUPPER. 



43 



Around the altar twining 

Affections warm and pure, 
On virtue still reclining, 

Of radiant glory sure ; 
happy they, who, hoping 

In God, the mighty Lord, 
With hostile forces coping, 

Secure the great reward. 

Around the altar twining 

Affections warm and pure, 
The trusty heart refining, 

A blissful hope insure ; 
Hence, happily reposing 

On God in fiercest strife. 
The soul itself composing, 

Awaits eternal life ! 



THE LAST SUPPER. 

The sun went down, that festal eve. 

With gold and crimson in the sky. 
And no one could, in fact, believe. 

The tragic scenes that lay so nigh ; 
The Master, in that upper room — 

Convened with friends — once more at least, 
Would, prior to his final doom, 

With them observe the pascal feast ! 



While seated round the festive board, 

He took the bread, and blessed, and brake, 

" Take — 'tis my body, broke for you, 
This eat in mind of me" — He spake ; 



44 GATHERING IN THE ROSE-BUDS. 

Then took the cup, and, blessing, said 
" Drink ye, my friends, drink all of this. 

This is my blood for sinners shed, 
'Tis life to you — 'tis endless bliss !" 

joyous feast! blessed scene ! 

What matchless grace to mortals shown 
Such kindness ne'er before was seen, 

Such boundless love was never known ; 
'Tis Jesus bringing life and peace, 

And pledging men sweet joys above ; 
Then hasten, mortals, to receive 

These tokens of His dving love ! 



GATHERING IN THE ROSE-BUDS. 

Little " beauties," scarcely born, 
Basking in the dew of morn, 
Tiny Rose-buds, swe^t and fair, 
Breathing in the balmy air. 
From the stem so rudely torn. 
Hapless seem and quite forlorn ; 
Yet by fairy hands are brought. 
Set in vases chastely wrought ! 

' Placed upon the mantel fair, i 



Where, immersed in perfumed air, 
Gently swelling, they expand 
Into roses sweetly grand ; 
In the night and thro' the day, 
Fragrance now exhaling, they 
Grandly thus the parlor grace. 
Lovely, charming — just in place! 



GATHERING IN THE ROSE-BUDS. 



45 



So the little wand'rers gay, 
Cast upon Life's thorny way, 
Here and there are ling'ring found, 
Weary, way-worn, homeward bound 5 
Loveliest, fairest of them all, 
Gently doth the Master call 
\J^ to yonder worlds above. 
Full of beauty — full of love ! 

Hearts are saddened here below, 
Bitter tears are caused to flow ; 
Every earthly joy seems gone, 
And the weary weep alone ; 
But their joy, awhile restrained, 
'Mid the losses here sustained, 
Soon, in fuller measure giv'n. 
Sweeter shall be found in heav'n ! 



Parents — mourning babes removed. 
Treasures once so dearly loved — 
Deeming all earth's pleasures gone, 
Nothing left but tears alone — 
Deem ye life all dark and drear. 
With no ray of hope to cheer ? 
Bleeding hearts, with anguish riv'n, 
Lo ! your babes are saved in heav'n ! 

Sweet the joy that hope doth give. 
Children dying, still do live — 
Happier far in realms above. 
Bathing there in seas of love ; 
Waiting, free from care and fear. 
For the loved ones struggling here ; 
Soon their bliss ye, too, shall share 
In those mansions bright and fair ! 



THE HAPPY CHOICE. 

I ask not for kichks, 

Which cannot secure 
A crown that is fadeless, 

Xor joys that are pure ; 
I ask but those riches, 

From virtue that 'rise, 
The smiles of my Saviour, 

The pearl of great price ! 

1 ask not for bkauty, 

This soon shall decay. 
And leave me to linger 

'Mid shame and dismay ; 
I ask not such beauty, 

I seek but to find 
The FAIREST in Nature, 

The beauty of mind ! 

I ask not for tlkasi-res, 

From Xature that spring 
Like vapors they vanish, 

And leave but a sting ; 
I ask but those pleasures 

In death that endure. 
Produced by the spirit, 

Sweet, lovely, and pure ! 



i 



THE HAPPY CHOICE. 


47 


I ask not for power, 




So eagerly sought, 




With pain it is coupled, 


1 


With danger 'tis fraught ; 




I ask but for power 




My spirit to rule, 




Its passions to govern, 




Its fears to control ! 




I ask not for favor. 


1 
■ j 


'Mong mortals below ; 




The good that is lasting, 




They cannot bestow ; 




T ask but for favor, 




With Thee, Most High ; 


1 


In weakness defend me. 




In danger be nigh ! 




I ask not for honor. 




The charm of mankind ; 




The flesh tho' it pleases. 




It poisons the mind ; 




I ask but for honor, 




In Jesus my Lord, 




The pledge of his pardon. 




The seal of His blood ! 


1^ 


I ask not for wisdom 


. 1 

j; 


To earth that's confined ; 




With sin it is mingled. 




With falsehood combined ; 




I ask but for wisdom 




My duties to scan, 




And render them daily 




To God and to man ! 


1 



48 THOU ART SO SWKET. 

J ask not for (ilory 

By conquest attained ; 
With tears it is purchased^ 

With blood it is stained : 
I ask but THIS glory — 

My name to survive 
In Heaven's fair ledger, 

The Lamb's book of Life I 



''THOU ART SO SWEEr." 

These were the dying words of a young lady, who, when no longer 
able to speak aloud, continued to magnify the rich grace of God, in 
Christ,— her tongue silently ^oing through the motion— Thou art so 
sweet— Thou art so sweet, until her spirit passed gently over into the 
land of the blest. 

Thou art so sweet ! 
When Nature's night so dark and drear, 
By grace dispelled, did disappear, 
And skies became all bright and clear, 
Surprised, I sung — -Thou art so sweet ! 

Thou art so sweet ! 
Ah ! since each day Thy grace 1 feel, 
As near Thy throne I joyful kneel, 
And Thou thyself dost there reveal, 
I'll sing, I'll sing — -Thou art so sweet ! 

Thou art so sweet ! 
At morn — ^when all so lovely seems, 
The sun displays his radiant beams. 
And air with choicest music teems, 
I'll sing aloud — Thou art so sweet ! 



49 



Thou ait so sweet! 
Thv iiunic I'll pniise at busy ii<»<>ii. 
'Mid odors sweet and rosy bloom — 
Thy word dispels the gath'ring gloom, 
And sings my soul — Thou art so sweet 1 

Thou art so sweet ! 
At even-tide — all calm and still, 
I lift mine eyes to Zion's hill. 
And (led my Saviour's with me still, 
I'll sing with joy — Thou art so sweet! 

Thou art so sweet I 
At midnight, when my soul awakes 
'Mid silent gloom and spreading shades, 
And all before my vision fades — 
I'll sing alone — Thou art so sweet ! 

Thou art so sweet ! 
While yet my blood so freely flows. 
My soul with burning ardor glows, 
And (lod His grace on me bestows — 
I'll sing in vouth — Thou art so sweet! 

Thou art so sweet 1 
Yes, when I feel — reduced by age, 
I soon must leave this earthly stage, 
Let praise to (Jod my soul engage, 
While loud I sing — Thou art so sweet ! 

Thou art so sweet ! 
While life remains, my soul inspire, 
() (lod, with love and sacred fire, 
Let all my powers in haste conspire 
To sing, enrapt — Thou art so sweet ! 



50 TRKEL : OR, THE SIXN'KR TESTP:i). 

Thou art so sweet ! 
When sickness lays me on my bed, 
And pains are o'er my body shed, 
I'll lift my soul to Christ my Head, 
And still sing on — Thou art so sweet ! 

Thou art so sweet ! 
When struggling in the arms of death, 
When stops my pulse and fails my breath, 
I'll rest secure in God, through faith, 
And louder sing— Thou art so sweet ! 

Thou art so sweet ! 
Yes, when life's toilsome days are o'er, 
And sin disturbs my soul no more, 
I'll sing in strains unknown before, 
My God, My God — Thou art so sweet ! 



TEKEL: OR, THE SINNER TESTED. 

Thou art wanting ! * 

Who is wanting ? 
He, whose thoughts from God estrange. 

Whilst he blindly trusts to fate ; 
Though in death he seek a change, 
Then, alas, 'twill be too late — 
He is wanting, 
Truly wanting ! 

Thou art wanting ! 
Who is wanting ? 
He who strives the world to please. 
Seeks not heaven, shuns not hell. 



TEKEL : OR THE SINNER TESTED. 



51 



Still lives on in thoughtless ease, 

Oh ! his state is hard to tell ! 

He is wanting. 

Sadly wanting ! 

Thou art wanting ! 
Who is wanting ? 
He who serves not God, sincere, 

Nor obeys His mandates pure ; 
He doth not the Lord revere, 
And to him destruction's sure. 
He is wanting, 
Surely wanting ! 

Thou art wanting ! 
Who is wanting ? 
He, who makes not God his friend, 

Nor to Christ for safety flees 5 
But lives thoughtless to his end, 
Till at length his doom he sees — 
He is wanting. 
Ever wanting ! 



Thou art wanting ! 

Who is wanting? 

He, that, when the Lord shall come, 

To collect His jewels rare. 
Finds for him there is. no room, 
And sinks down to dark despair — 
He is wanting, 
Greatly wanting ! 

Thou art wanting, 
Who is wanting ? 
He, who, when earth disappears. 
Finds himself engulfed in hell ; 



52 COMFORTS OF RELTGIOX. 

Where must flow his bitter tears, 

Where his sorrows still must swell — 
He is wanting, 
0, he's wanting ! 



COMFORTS OF RELKUOX. 

How sweet 'tis to mingle with saints of the Lord 
To praise Him for mercies revealed in His Word ; 
Serenely look up to the place where He dwells 
And draw from Him comfort as water from wells. 

How sweet 'tis to linger beside the pure stream 
Where pleasures forever, as truly 'twould seem. 
Abide in their freshness to cheer the sad soul 
And goodness and mercy encompass the whole. 

How sweet to remember that all we possess 
Results from His goodness. His mercy, and grace ; 
And feel the assurance, we need not despond 
Since God is so gracious, so loving and fond. 

How sweet to look forward, nor then be afraid 
When death shall envelope the soul in its shade, 
But lean with composure on Jesus' strong arm 
Where pain cannot enter nor dangers alarm. 

How sweet to look, also, beyond the thick gloom 
That hides from the vision the sun-beams of noon, 
There God and the Saviour forever compose 
The spirit's sweet resting — its endless repose. 

Aye, sweet from the valley of sorrows and tears 
A home in the skies to the mourner appears ; 
He steadily looks to this mansion on high, 
The pilgrim's dear Homestead reserved in the sky ! 



THTXE ALOXK. 58 

When sunk in affliction — in deepest distress — 
And nothing remaineth to cheer and to bless, 
"Tis THKX the h)ne pilgrim, tho' heaving a sigh, 
Looks upward, and thinks of his portion on high ! 



THINE ALONE. 



Yes, my Jesus, precious Saviour, 

I would yield myself to Thee ! 
Seal this offering with Thy favor. 

And from sin my spirit free ! 
Thou hast saved me by Thy power 

From disease and early death. 
And to Thee, in earnest prayer, 

I will spend my latest breath ! 

While my life and strength continue, 

I will seek Thy smiling face, 
And for aye pursue that virtue 

Which is wrought alone by grace ; 
Thou art worthy, my Saviour, 

Thou art worthy to receive 
Honor, glory, strength, and power, 

More than ever I can give ! 

what mercy Thou hast shown me ! 

what joy and love and peace ! 
From destruction's dark forebodings 

Thou hast saved me by Thy grace. 
Risen from the tomb with power. 

Thou hast burst the chains of death ; 
Now to Thee, in grateful prayer, 

1 will breathe my sweetest breath ! 



54 PRAISE THE LORD. 

High ascended up to heaven — 

Thou hast oped its pearly gates, 
And redemption, dearly purchased, 

On the weary pilgrim waits — 
Waits to crown him with its graces, 

And to free his captive soul ; 
Jesus, I would sound Thy praises. 

Thro' the earth from pole to pole ! 

Low before Thy gracious Presence 

Bends my soul in humble prayer ; 
There I find Thy pard'niug mercy. 

And Thy goodness ever share ; 
Lift upon my Spirit, Saviour, 
Now alone Thy smiling face ! 
I Let Thy grace, and truth, and power. 

j Let Thy love inspire my praise ! 



PRALSE THE LORD. 

Earth's music sweet — af charming strain 
And greens that deck the life-clad plain. 
The scenes beneath, so passing fair, 
And sounds that fill the balmy air, 

All — all unite, 

In gentle tide, 
To swell and bear His praise along. 
And chant to God a solemn song ! 

Thus may you send, 

Dear Christian friend. 
Sweet praise to God with ev'ry breath. 
In sickness, health — in life and death ; 
So shall you here secure His grace. 
In Heaven enjoy His smiling face ! 



TIS NOT IN VAIN 5 OR, THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. 

'Tis not in vain ! 
Your tears that fall so thick and fast, 
When day begins — when day is past, 
Will bring to you relief at last — 
Your tears are not in vain ! 

'Tis not in vain ! 
Some soul among that happy band, 
Who 'round the throne immortal stand, 
May bless you when at God's right hand — 
Your work is not in vain ! 

'Tis not in vain ! 
Here lead a life of active faith. 
And when you pass the gates of death, 
Immortal bloom your brow shall wreath 
Your faith is not in vain ! 

'Tis not in vain ! 

Your hope, so constant, firm, and pure, 

When life is past shall still endure. 

And joy and peace beyond secure — 

Your hope is not in vain ! 

'Tis not in vain ! 
Your life here spent in faith and love, 
With meekness tempered like a dove, 
Shall bloom in endless spring above — 
Your life is not in vain I 



56 THK CHRISTIAX'S TNHERITAXCE. 

'Tis not in vain ! 
The way to God seems dark and strait, 
Tt leads, alas, thro' deaths thick shade. 
But death to you is heaven's gate, 
Your death is not in vain ! 



THE CHRISTIAN'S TXHERITAXCE. 

Christian ! view thy vast possessions, 

Lo ! the world is all thine own ! 
Thine the earth on which thou dwellest, 

Thine the seas and thine alone. 
Christian ! lift thine eyes to heaven, 

See the hosts yon skies display ! 
Radiant orbs, with glory beaming. 

Thine, and thine alone are they ! 

Lo ! the woodland's waving foliage, 

And the mead's enchanting looks, 
Lo ! the ocean's surging billows. 

And the songs of purling brooks, 
Lo ! the day's resplendent brightness. 

And the night's secluding shades, 
All unite to swell the gladness. 

Which thy raptured soul pervades ! 

Hark ! what soft, melodious breathings, 

Float upon the morning breeze, 
Sweetest perfumes, rich, enchanting. 

Mingling, fill the air with these ! 
Saint ! the songsters' lovely anthems. 

And the flow'rets' charming hue — 
All conspire to breathe thee solace, 

All are here to comfort you ! 



PRAISE IN' XATURK. 57 

Lo I the summer's golden harvest, 

Autumn scenes so passing fair — 
Lo ! the' beasts that roam the forest, 

And the birds that sail the air — 
Diverse hosts that tread the mountains, 

Finny tribes that scud the main, 
All shall cheer the Christian's dwelling, 

All shall be the Christian's gain ! 

Xature yields thee vast possessions, 

Blessings thou hast largely shared ; 
But the richest of those blessings. 

Are but small with these compared ; 
Christ has died — the blessed Saviour, 

He has saved thy soul from hell ! 
Christ has risen — lo ! in heaven. 

Thou shalt with Him ever dwell ! 

Jesus, raised to highest heaven. 

Now is seated on the throne ; 
And His Spirit, freely given. 

Kindly cheers thee, pilgrim lone. 
And, at length, with peerless beauty. 

Will adorn thy rescued soul — 
Christian ! spread thy Saviour's praises. 

All is thine from pole to pole ! 



PRAISE IN NATURE. 

Hark ! The spring birds, near me singing, 

Fill the air with music sweet, 
And — the echoes sweetly ringing — 

Glad the cheerful songs repeat ! 



58 roNTRAST TX DEATH. 

Breezes o'er the earth are sweeping, 
Which enhance its beauty still, 

Cheer the pilgrim, weary, weeping, 
And with joy ecstatic fill ! 

Flow'rets sweet, in sun-light basking. 
Round me choicest fragrance pour, 

Beauty, grace, and joy combining, 
Cause my spirit to adore ! 

Nature, (), 'tis sweet and charming, 

Clear and bright the fairy scene ; 

F'orests decked with richest foliage. 



"While these scenes, so fair and lovely. 
Stand before my ravished eyes, 

I would raise my soul delighted — 
All-enraptured, to the skies ! 

I would bear my humble portion 
In this song of heart felt praise. 

And, with grateful soul adoring, 
Now my voice with Nature raise ! 



CONTRAST IN DEATH. 

THE STXXEH 

Stretched on his pillowed couch the sinner lies ; 
His frame is racked with fell and keen disease 
Which slowly works within — his eyes are sunk, 
And pale his face. His languid looks show marks 
Of life-consuming, dread disease at work — 
His death is nigh, and sad the sinner's fate ! 
He looks ; the world is fading from his dim, 
Distorted vision ; and a strange-toned voice 



COXTRAST IN DEATH. 59 

Of fearful import, falls upon his ear 

And fills his soul with horror and dismay ! 

He looks again ; and finds his doom is fixed ; 

The long probation past ; and all his strength, 

His health, his life, he sees, in vain are spent. 

He weeps. His spirit once so stout, now quails ; 

And trembling seizes on his frame ! He halts — 

He thinks of time, but time no more is his ; 

His trust is gone — the earth on which reposed 

His fondest hopes. The jests of sinners, now, 

No more can ease his troubled mind, or bring 

Composure to his soul with horrors deep 

And dark forebodings filled. Despair invades 

His faltering heart — his hopes of life are fled. 

And all is dark. A world unknown now breaks 

Upon his view. The die, for him, is cast ! 

He sighs. The scenes, his high-wrought fancy paints. 

Are fearful, dark — of horror full and dread ! 

Fresh tortures still his soul invade, and sink 

It deeper into woe extreme ! He dreads ; 

He quakes. His frame is tossed in anguish deep — 

Consumed with burning wrath. He cries to God 

For mercy — 0, 'tis mercy now he wants ! 

But, ah ! it is too late ! He cries once more — 

Heaven, save ! my spirit save, God ! 

But no ! 'tis lost ! — Ah, lost — forever lost ! 

Yet mercy ! — no, 'tis gone ! I have destroyed, 

Thro' sin destroyed my soul — my wretched soul ! 

THE SAINT. 

The Christian led a life of faith and hope. 
Of love and kindness oft to sinners shown ; 
A life of saflf'ring great, and deep distress ! 
And oft he felt the sting of keen reproach. 
And darts of envy hurled to pierce his soul! 
Yet, tho' he felt these poisoned arrows' stings. 



60 COXTRAST IX DKATH. 

He lived a happy man — possessed of peace. 

And, now, this Christian, laid on death's cold bed, 

Rejoiees^-not in wealth, or fame, or pow'r, 

Xor aught by earth bestowed, but in his faith 

And hope, and prospects bright of future bliss. 

His mind is calm. His happy soul is rapt 

In meditation sweet ; and heav'nly peace 

Sits on his countenance ! He gently smiles, 

And lifts his soul to God in praise and pray'r. 

He knows full well his hope is fixed on high, 

Where God in glory dwells — where Jesus reigns ; 

Where angels join, and saints, to praise the Lamb, 

And raise, in everlasting songs of joy, 

His glory high ! The saint can well rejoice ! 

He calls to mind his life of faith and love. 

His life of earnest pray'rs, and frequent tears 

O'er sinners shed — his midnight watchings, 

And kindly deeds bestowed on men of rank 

Both high and low — bestowed on some whose hearts 

Were steeped in sin, and filled with burning rage ; 

And on the meek and contrite ones, who lived, 

And prayed, and wept, and ate their bread in tears ; 

Thus on the good and bad, alike, he smiled. 

These deeds he calls to mind ; and, 0, the peace 

Which they afford, no heart but his can tell ! 

In death's cold arms he feels supremely safe. 

And lifts, in grateful strains, his soul to God. 

Ah [ he knows his Maker lives and watches 

O'er his life with tender care. Confidence, 

That priceless gift of God, dwells in his heart. 

And spreads a calm composure o'er his face. 

His soul is full of joy divine and peace ; 

Gently he sinks to rest. His thoughts now fixed 

On future bliss, he thus exclaims : " Oh death. 

Where is thy sting ! thy victory, where, grave !" 



TRIUMPHS OF THE GOSPEL. 

Lo ! the Saviour's blood-stained banner 

Poised to catch the gentle breeze, 
O'er th' extended range of mortals, 

Spreads its folds in joj and peace ; 
They, who grope in midnight darkness, 

And in shades of deepest gloom, 
Soon shall see the Gospel's brightness. 

And enjoy its precious boon ! 

We have felt its quick'ning power, 

We enjoy its precious grace — 
Lo I its beams are spreading wider. 

Soon will touch at ev'ry place ; 
Distant lands the sounds are catching, 

Sounds of joyous, happy news ; 
And the echoes, swift rehearsing. 

Further still the light diffuse ! 

See, the West is raising higher 

Still the gently waving flag ; 
And the East, in earnest prayer, 

Follows up the golden track ; 
Isles are hast'ning to receive Him, 

Christ — the source of life and peace, 
While the Gospel's living heralds 

Haste poor pris'ners to release I . 



62 carrier's address. 

Nations, sleeping, wrapped in darkness, 

From their slumb'ring state awake : 
While the ancient forms of worship 

Deeply to their centre shake : 
Earth and hell, their firmness yielding, 

Soon the Gospel shall confess, 
And the fruits of grace redeeming, 

Will the distant nations bless ! 

Where those proud, majestic rivers, 

Rolling swift in mighty flood, 
Bear to seas their turgid waters, 

Crimsoned deep with human blood — 
There shall glide the silv'ry streamlets, 

Bearing on their bosom peace — 
There shall love, and joy, and gladness. 

Bless mankind, with gospel grace 1 

Where dark scenes of horror triumph, 

There shall stand the Saviour's cross ; 
What before their gain they counted, 

Men shall count their greatest loss ; 
And the world shall bring its honors. 

Near the cross shall lay them down ; 
Raise to God their glad Hosannas, 

And with praise their Saviour crown ! 



CARRIER'S ADDRESS. 

Hatl Patrons, Friends, the Carrier-boy 
Health wishes you, and peack, and .joy ! 



Good News I bring — an extra sheet. 
As oft I did through snow and sleet ; 
'Tis kindly meant, tho' rather stern. 
As you will by experience learn. 



carrier's address. 68 

Time was, when most, ye know, the aged spake, 
But now-a-days the young their places take ; 
And why not so? I here would humbly ask. 
'Tis surely not of all the heaviest task ? — 
And, since in wit, the young their seniors beat, 
Why should the toxgue submit to base defeat ? 
My majors, then, stand back — just hear me talk. 
Why not? Sure I'm big — can — already walk! 

Another year, I need not say. is flown — 

Fools only tell what is already known. 

My story is but brief, and briefly told, 

Some new things tho' it tells, and some things old. 

Depend on it, I shall not speak in vain, 

Or, if I do, you have yourself to blame : 

Though but a lad, you see, a stripling youth, 

My song, be sure, contains some precious truth. 

The globose earth stands still, some people say, 
And round it sweeps the burning sun each day — 
High o'er us stretched, the wide expansive blue 
Unaltered meets, each day, our steady view — 
While yonder stars like trembling lights are hung 
Deep in the clouds — the azure sky along — 
And distant far, in shining worlds unknown, 
Majestic reigns Jehovah — God alone ! 

" This doctrine's false," the lynx-eyed Seer exclaims, 
" The earth revolves, and fixed the sun remains — 
Thro' vas;y space the stars their courses run. 
And cheerful move their centre 'round — the sun." 
This sure seems true — the other seems like truth, 
But which is right, 'tis hard to say for youth ; 
To know is good — but not, is sure no crime, 
Since we but wish to sins: the course of time. 



64 CARRIER'S ADDRESS. 

Time moves ; but how is not so easy shown — 
As moments come, the moments past are gone. 
Oh ! — simple quite this truth, you may dechire ; 
Perhaps ! — but, reader, know a myst'ry's there ! 
God's ways are deep. Time is— a truth sublime, 
Yet time is changed to that which is not time. 
Still, since we cannot grasp the slippery how, 
We must not therefore waste the precious now ! 

Time moves we say: and, if it change, then we, 

Since we but live in time eternity? — 

Tremendous tho't ! so great, so vast our doom ! 
Ah! whither going then — whence are we come ? 
Tossed from the hand of God, so pure, so good. 
High, o'er creation chief, our father stood ! 
All Nature smiled — and lovely Eden trod 
The man, deep on him stamped the image — God ! 

The tempter came — his subtle schemes applied. 
Our father sinned. He fell, and falling died ; 
'Tis all we know, though speculation sought. 
Still seeks to know, what far transcends all thought. 
Yet, here it stands — its sad effects we know. 
And, knowing, should avoid the curse — the woe ! 
'Tis wisdom to escape while yet we may — 
Descending thunderbolts will have their way! 

And how escape ? Can I yet flee the rod ? 
And, flying, shun the burning eye of God ? 
See there, on yonder wall the gleaming sword 
The trembling sinner warns to fear the Lord ! 
Alas ! where flow'rets grew, sad Eden mourns. 
And, lo ! the blushing rose 'mid prickly thorns ! 
Sad change ! yet, 'neath the earth-encircling shroud, 
Some hope-beams softly tinge the distant cloud ! 



65 



The curse was scarce pronounced, when promised stood 
A Saviour there— the pledge of future good ! 
Tho' time moved slowly on, each circling year, 
Rehearsing, sang the promised day more near. 
Time passed. At length the joyful period came. 
And angels sang, and men, the Saviour's name ! 
He lived and died ; His bloody cross now stands 
The joy of Shem— the hope of other lands ! 

'•Go, preach the Gospel," now the record runs, 
" Whoe'er believes is safe— condemned who shuns." 
But how shall they, who have not heard, believe ? 
And hear ?— unless the Word they first receive ? 
By hearing then comes faith ; and hearing how? 
A preached Gospel by !— What duty now ? 
To make His counsels known— His firm decree : 
"Come weary souls, I save — come unto me." 

And how? Xo matter how— in various ways : 
The pulpit, book, and sheet— each truth displays. 
The quantum though we can't define exact, 
'Tis deemed but just to state the simple fact. 
The object sought, by diverse means we reach, 
Myself may write — my friend prefer to preach. 
Men differ, thus, in taste^'ust as in looks, 
Fair speeches charm the one, another books ? 

Means vary then — one story all rehearse! 
Truth speaks — the gloomy shades of night disperse. 
Dominions, trembling, fall— dark systems cease, 
And on their ruins, lo ! the tents of Peace ! 
Jehovah reigns ; and judgment now assigns 
To each his doom— the end of God's designs : 
And earth redeemed, and heaven, hell, combine 
In triumph, thus, to close the course of time ! 



66 UARTIMEUS, 

And how ? — we answered thus : ^' In various wavs ! 
The pulpit, book, and sheet — each truth displays." 
And here I, too, would now the chance embrace. 
My merits thus in proper light to place — 
'Tis not a pleasant task ; but who can blame. 
If, brief, I modestly advance my claim ? 
I'm sure — this is quite common now-a-days — 
Each (;hampion sounds his own peculiar ))raise ! 

My labors, thou<rh but few, are not so small ; 
At many a door, I made my weekly call — 
From many a flow'r I sipped the nectar sweet. 
And laid it humbly at my Patrons' feet — 
Good news at home, as well as news abroad, 
I, modest, told in child-like fear of God — 
And many a heart with anguish sore distrest, 
I solaced oft, and oft the mourner blessed. 

'Tis true, the wrath-cloud moved our heads above. 
And much obscured sometimes the rules of love ; 
Tho' thunders rolled, and lightnings wounded some, 
The storm is o'er — a cheering calm has come. 
On yonder cloud, the rain-bow's varied hues. 
Sweet peace proclaim — a year of happy News. 
Here stay my song — I lay mine honors down. 
Join, angels, men, the God of Peace to crown! 



BARTIMEUS: OR, .lESUS AND THE BUND MAX 

Close by the way the blind man sat. 

And mourned his cruel fate ; 
Requesting alms of those who passed 

And saw his sad estate : — 
He sat and mused within his heart. 

How he should spend the day ; 



BARTIMEUS. 6V 

When, lo ! a large and num'rous host 

Came passing by that way — 
He raised his head and gently asked : 

" Who comes along the road?" 
When from the crowd he heard a voice, 

Which said—'' The Son of God!" 
His heart was sad, and full his soul. 

He longed this man to see — 
'' Thou Son of David," loud he cried, 

" Have mercy. Lord, on me." 
The thoughtless crowd his prayer heard 

And bade him stop his plea ; 
But Christ rebuked them, and exclaimed 

"Come, bring this man to me — 
I love to hear poor sinner cry, 

Nor will their suit disdain : 
For this I left the vaulted sky. 

For this on earth remain !" 
His foUow'rs feel the keen rebuke. 

And quick his word obey ; 
They bring before the Saviours feet. 

The man without delay. 
" What wilt thou," said the Saviour kind, 

" That I for you should do— 
I came to make poor sinners whole. 

Shall, likewise, I heal you ? 
Now, when the beggar heard this speech, 

He felt his soul rejoice. 
And ventured, thus, in humble strain, 

To raise his falt'ring voice — 
*'I wish, dear Lord, that thro' Thy word 

I may receive my sight 5 
Thus would I own Thee Sov'reign Lord, 

And in Thy name delight." 
The Saviour, touched, in love responds — 



68 BARTIMEUS. 

" Receive thy sight/" He saith ; 
" I would not keep thee in suspense, 

Thou art made whole by faith.'' 
Soon as the suppliant heard Him speak, 

His eye-sight was restored •, 
And raising, now, his ravished eyes, 

The Saviour he adored — 
And all the crowd, astonished much, 

Now spread His fame abroad ; 
Raised high their glad and joyous songs, 

And praised the Sov'reign God ! 
And, now, ye sinners poor and blind, 

Lend to my voice an ear ; 
And while I freely speak my thoughts, 

My counsels may you hear — 
You know our Race in sin is steeped. 

By nature we are blind — 
A darkness worse than this man felt, 

Rests on the human mind ; — 
And should not you to Jesus cry. 

And ask His pard'ning grace ? 
Thus only shall you e'er succeed. 

To win His smiling face. 
But since we are so much defiled, 

So full of sin and shame, 
Dare we approach His mercy-seat. 

Or trust the Saviour's name ? — 
Yes, you may come and seek His grace, 

And in His name confide ; 
His grace will cleanse your foulest guilt, 

His name your sins will hide. 
What tho' your sin and guilt combined, 

Should form a purple flood — 
There's mercy in the Saviour's name, 

There's pardon in His blood ! 



GRATITUDE. 

Go — view the mighty rivers — 

Go — view the purling brooks, 
While gently they are dancing 

Along the rocky nooks ; 
They gather still their waters 

From mountain and from plain ; 
Then, with increased volume, 

Return them to the main ! 

Go — view the plant so tender, 

So charming and so fair ; 
From earth it gathers moisture, 

Inhales the balmy air ; 
Then lovely stands it blooming. 

Sweet odors sends abroad ; 
Its leaflets, now descending. 

Enrich the lowly sod ! 

Go — view the sportive insect, 

Now glist'ning in the sun ; 
Its life is but a shadow, 

Its race as soon is run ; 
And yet this little sporter. 

May teach a lesson rare ; 
For, lo ! its failing parent 

It feeds with tender care 1 



70 LINKS FOR A\ AI.BIM. 

Go, man, so proud and boasting, 

Go — view this humble train ; 
Let Nature teach thee wisdom, 

Nor scorn its simple strain. 
Though much to you inferior. 

Receive its precepts pure : 
Its teachings are substantial. 

Of this you may be sure ! 

(to — aid your needy neighbor, 

(lO to his mean abode ; 
Requite his love with favor, 

Commend his soul to God ; 
Go — to vour precious Saviour 

A song of triumph raise ; 
Go — sing His saving power, 

And spread His lofty praise ! 

Go — render to your Maker, 

The love and honor due ; 
'Twas He who gave you being. 

His hand created you ; 
Why should not you be grateful. 

And serve the Lord in love ? 
Go — praise your God and Saviour, 

Who reigns and rules above ! 



LINES FOR AX ALBUM. 

There is a fount whose crystal flow 
Spreads life and peace and joy below — 
There is a spot whose charming sight 
Resembles much the world of light — 
There is a song whose winning strains 
Lift up the soul to heaven's plains — 



THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS. 71 



This SONG they raise, 

In solemn praise, 
When saints on earth unite to sing 
The grace of their celestial king^ 
The CHURCH of Christ this spot we count 
The BIBLE is that crystal fount. 

In life and death, 

With gentle breath, 
May e'er from you, dear Christian friend 
To Christ this charming song ascend — 
Within His church still may you dwell, 
Your BIBLE love, and search it well ; 
So shall you here secure His grace, 
In heaven enjoy His smiling face ! 



THE RICH MAX AND LAZARUS. 

There was a man in sumptuous style, 

Who fared from day to day ; 
Whose gorgeous robes and linens fine 

His riches did display — 
There was a beggar, poor, despised. 

Laid at the rich man's gate ; 
His frame was weak and full of sores, 

And sad was his estate. 
Poor Laz'rus craved the crumbs which fell 

From off the rich man's board, 
Yet none but dogs, which licked his sores. 

Would friendly aid afford. 
As time passed on the beggar died. 

On earth distrest, forlorn, 
To Abr'ham's bosom swift his soul 

By angels bright was borne ; 
The rich man died, and was interred, 



72 THE RICH MAX AXD T.AZART'S. 

In hell he raised his eyes, 
And, tortured, saw on Abr'ham's breast, 

Poor Laz'rus in the skies. 
''0 send him, Lord," now loud he cried, 

His soul with anguish wrung — 
" That he, with moistened finger-tip, 

May cool my parched tongue ; 
For, in this gulf of dark despair, 

Still o'er my wretched soul, 
The pains of hell and deepest woe 

In flaming torrents roll !" 
But Ahr'ham said, "Remember, Son, 

In life thou taredst well. 
While Laz'rus felt misfortune's stings, 

His sorrows who can tell ? 
And now he feels sweet comfort here, 

But thou the keenest pain, 
And, thus, it shall for evermore 

With him and you remain ; 
Besides all this, a gulf is fixed, 

That they, who would pass hence, 
Are forced to yield their cherished hope, 

Xor canst thou e'er come thence." 
" Send Laz'rus forth, I pray thee, then, 

Quick to my father's house, 
That from their deep and fatal sleep 

My brethren he may 'roase, 
Lest they my fate should also share, 

And come to this dread place, 
Where torments keen and endless woes 

Await our sinful race !" 
But Abr'ham said in kindly tone, 

" The prophets they have near. 
And Moses, too, whom God hath sent, 

These let your brethren hear." 



THRISTIAN UNION. 73 

The rich man, now, with anguish tossed, 

And well-nigh in despair, 
Lifts up to him once more his eyes, 

And breathes this piteous pray'r : 
" Nay, nay, my father Abr'ham, nay, 

Some kindly message send ; 
For, if one from the dead should rise. 

They will perchance repent !" 
Still Abr'ham, true to his intent. 

Would not his Lord betray, 
But answered, thus, in faithful strain, 

Xor sternly less did say : 
" If they will not the prophets hear, 

Nor Moses when he cries, 
They would not listen, tho' one spake 

Who from the dead did rise." 
Thus closed the scene, and each remained 

Where God His place assigned. 
In heav'n the poor man was enthroned, 

In hell the rich confined ! 



CHRISTIAN UNION— TO A FRIEND AT PARTING. 

There is a strange — a mystic bond 

That holds the human heart. 
And breaketh not, tho' we be called 

On earth awhile to part : 

It is that bond of quenchless love. 
Which binds the happy souls above, 
And sheds on man's deep-fallen race 
A halo bright of matchless grace. 

Where'er we be 

On land or sea. 



Y4 THE SINNER SAVED. 

May still this bond 'tween us subsist, 
In clearest light or darkest mist, 
To keep our souls with sweet accord 
United firm in Christ our Lord ; 

And on our way 

To endless day, 
Whene'er we seek the Saviour's face, 
Enjoy His love and sing His grace, 
Then may we feel a brother's care, 
And seek for him a blessing there. 

Thus may we love each other still, 
While on Life's stormy sea 5 

And each breathe out this tender pray'r, 
Dear friend, remember me ! 



THE SINNER SAVED. 

The sinner lay upon his couch, 

With deep-dejected look ; 
And, as he thought of future scenes. 

His soul with horror shook — 
He raised his head, and deeply sighed, 

"Have mercy, Lord," he said, 
" Nor let Thy vengeance, long deserved, 

Fall on my guilty head ! 

" Tho' long Thy grace I have despised, 

And sb Thy love abused, 
That, when Thy goodness I beheld, 

Thy mercy I refused ; 
Yet, save me, Lord — with pity heed 

My groans, my sighs, my tears ; 
And with compassion now regard 

My terrors and my fears." 



TH?: SINNER SAVED. 75 

Thus prayed the sinner, poor, distrest, 

And smitten deep with guilt, 
When vengeance swept the sands away 

On which his hopes were built ; 
But, as he prayed, distract with fears. 

He heard a loving voice, 
Which, while it filled his eyes with tears, 

Did make his soul rejoice! 

He heard — it was the voice of God, 

Xor did its strains delay — 
It bade him now with joyful haste 

Wipe all his tears aM^ay ; 
'' For I," said He, " have seen and heard. 

Above the starry skies, 
Thy sighs and groans, thy sorrow deep. 

Thy bitter tears and cries." 

Oh ! how his happy soul rejoiced. 

And how his heart did leap. 
When, thus, in kind and friendly tones 

He heard the Saviour speak ; 
He raised his streaming eyes on high 

And blessed His sacred Name, 
While thro' the earth he spread abroad 

The honors of the Lamb. 

And sinners, now, he sought to teach 

The goodness of the Lord, 
How He had made His counsels known, 

Sweet mercies in His word — 
Where, for each sin of deepest dye, 

A pardon rich is found, 
A healing oil for ev'ry heart, 

A balm for ev'ry wound. 



76 AVORTH OF THE KTBLE. 

The things he once so highly prized. 

And scenes he loved before, 
Lost all their beauty to his soul, 

He felt their charms no more : 
But, in their stead, and nobler ftir 

The things of God appear : 
He loves to be where Christians meet, 

He longs their voice to hear. 

And why should not the saint delight 

To linger where he hears 
The voice that soothed his aching heart. 

And quite removed his fears ? 
Why should not he delight to sing 

God's praise in joyful strain ? 
For all things do him pleasure bring 

Whose soul is born again. 

Then marvel not, ye mortals, steeped 

In sin and guilt and shame. 
That he, who feels the Saviour's grace, 

Should love to sing His name ; 
For tho' the earth should pass away, 

And stars should leave their train. 
The saint, that's washed in Jesus' blood, 

In Jesus will remain ! 



WORTH OF THE BIBLE. 

How perfect is Thy word, Lord, 
Its doctrines how divine ; 

It spreads salvation all abroad, 
And makes the nations Thine ! 



CHILD S MORNING HYMN. 



11 



On every page stands forth Thy will. 

In characters of gold ; 
Thy wonders— we can read them still, 

Tho' done in times of old. 

Mercy and truth and love combined, 

To sinful men made known, 
Here stand to welcome both refined 

And vulgar to Thy throne ! 

But, if we thus in goodness trust, 

On love and grace rely, 
We also find our Maker just 

To let the wicked die ! 

He's sov'reign Lord of heav'n and earth. 

And all that's in them found ; 
So doth He in His word declare. 

And in His works abound ! 



CHILD'S MORNING HYMN. 



Soon as the dewy morn appears. 

My waking thoughts, ascend on high ! 
Far, far away my slavish fears, 

God gently calls — His grace is nigh ! 

Not earth shall fill mv peaceful mind 
With inward terror or dismay — 

In mercy's smiles my soul shall find 
The gentle beams of heav'nly day ! 

Away, ye sinful thoughts, depart 

Far as the East is from the West- 
Earth's cares shall not engross my heart. 
Or e'er disturb my soul's sweet rest ! 



78 THE VICTOR SLATX. 

These sacred moments will I seize 
To fix my thoughts on things above ; 

Dear Saviour, fill my soul with peace, 
My spirit sway with heavenly love ! 

So shall ray feet delight to roam 

The path which Thou Thyself hast trod, 

The road that leads me safely home, 
That brings me to my gracious God ! 



THE VICTOR SLAIN. 

The drunkard lay beside the curb, 

His pulse was beating high ; 
He felt a strangeness in his brains, 

But could not say just why ; 
To speak the truth, his mind was gone, 

And reason's light had fled ; 
Nor did he know that brick and stone 

Were now his only bed. 

The boys were tripping up and down. 

And saw the drunkard lie. 
But no one dared to speak a word, 

Or ventured to come nigh, 
Till, all at once, a lad appeared 

More daring than the rest. 
Who in this keen and simple strain 

The wretched man addressed : 

" My friend, what mean you thus to lie. 

Exposed to vilest shame. 
While men are passing thickly by 

And lisp thy former fame ? 



■j 

THE VICTOR SLAIN. 79 I 


1 

Arise, and let thy country see | 


Thy name again restored ' ' 


To what it was when soldiers brave i 


Thy presence nigh adored." i 

j 


The people, now, with wonder struck, i 


Approached the dubious scene, i 


And asked with keen inquiring look ! 


What once the man had been. ; 


The youth resuming now his speech, I- 


Tho" trembling and afraid, j 


Replied with more than usual skill, j 


As thus he briefly said : [ 


" This man was not in former days .. 


What he, alas, is now ; [ 


For then a wreath of purest fame •. 


Sat on his victor-brow ; •: 


The seat of war his valor knew, j 


And glory crowned the man, j' 


When thousands he to battle drew, 


And led the conq'ring van. j 


'' But now, alas, his fame is gone, | 


His mind is but a wreck ; \ 


Nor can a power short of God's [ 


The dread disaster check — ' 


Yet, let the drunkard know your love. 


Your sweet compassion share ; 


Perhaps he may regain his strength, 


Nor sink to dark despair." i 


The people heard this short harangue, 


And praised the patriot lad, 


While he rehearsed the hero's tale, 


So tender and so sad. 



80 



child's 


KVKXlX(i 


IIVMN. 






And now their 


eves are 


turned 


to 


him 


Who on the 


pavemeu 


t lav. 






That they mig 


tit see if 


aught ol 


'f: 


mo 


His features 


did botrav. 







They saw still on his arched brow 

And o'er his furrowed face, 
Of greatness many a signal mark. 

Of genius many a trace : 
And viewing now his 1<H so moan. 

The contrast was so great — 
They could but shed a silent tear, 

And mourn his sad estate. 

While thinking on the drunkard's lot, 

And on his former fame, 
A feeling strange tjuick to the heart 

Of each spectator came. 
They shrink, and as they sadly muse. 

Their feelings who can tell ? 
The man sinks to a drunkard's grave, 

And to a drunkard's hell ! 



CHILD'S EVEXIX(; HVMX. 

The mountain peaks, so green and gay. 
Bright gilded by the setting sun, 

United sing the close of day. 

And show his wonted course is run I 

The evening shades just now appear. 
And spread their dusky hues abroad 

All Nature speaks His presence near, 
And chants a solemn lay to God ! 



SWEET SURPRISE. 


81 1 


Let me with Nature raise my voice 


1 


And sing to God a cheerful song : 




My soul in Him would e'er rejoice, 


I'i 


And still the Saviour's praise prolong I 


i 


These sacred moments well may serve 




To raise my soul to worlds above ; 




And, while T would Thy grace rehearse, 


1 

! 


Fill Thou my soul with heav'nly love ! 


j 


Let all my powers Thy name adore 


i 


And speak abroad Thy saving grace : 


1 

i 


Here may I feel Thy favor more, 


i 


In heaven enjoy Thy smiling face ! 


i 


SWEET SURPRLSE. 


1 

j 


I passed by the church-door. 




The building along, 


i 


And heard, all-enraptured, 




A charming sweet song — 




The song of the ranso.r.ed. 


i 


Ascending on high 


J 
] 


From spirits where Jesus 




With power was nigh ! 




Its soft-flowing cadence, 




Its echoes so sweet, 




Prevailed on my spirit 


1 
i 


To seek the retreat : 


i 


I entered the building, 




And found on the spot, 




Much people assembled 




To worship their God ! 





82 SWEET SURPRISE. 

Their songs of rejoicing — 

Their sweet-sounding strain, 
Bro't feelings oft-cherished 

To mem'ry again — 
I shared their rejoicings, 

Their love in full tide, 
As, cheerful in prayer, 

r kneeled by their side ! 

Then, 0, what sweet raptures, 

My soul did enjoy. 
While anthems were chanted, 

Which angels employ ! 
There peace, far surpassing 

What mind can conceive, 
Distilled on my spirit. 

Its pains to relieve ! 

The song of redemption, 

The song of sweet praise, 
Our spirits still lingered 

In concert to raise ; 
And, 0, the sweet feelings, 

The joys of the soul. 
Like waves of the ocean 

Continued to roll ! 

And, then, on the pinions 

Of faith and of love. 
Our spirits still mounted 

To regions above — 
Where, with the bright angels 

All praising His name, 
We still were rejoicing 

In Jesus the Lamb I 



THE SABBATH. 83 

Sweet, blissful devotion, 

So lofty and pure ! 
Thy scenes of rejoicing, 

Shall ever endure ! 
For, in that bright region, 

Where God doth abide, 
This song of redemption 

Flows on in full tide ! 



THE SABBATH. 



Lo ! the Sabbath day is dawning. 

Christian, trim thy golden lamp ! 
Let its flame be brightly burning, 

Let it bear the royal stamp ! 
May not sin, thy mind diverting, 

E'er engross thy thoughts to-day ; 
Oh ! attend the Saviour's warning, 

And give ear to what He'll say ! 

See, He comes to meet His people, 

Gath'ring round His sacred shrine : 
There, before His altar kneeling. 

All shall taste His love divine ! 
Come then, Christians, hasten hither. 

Come prepared in heart and mind ; 
Here, to-day, by humbly seeking. 

All, who will, their God may find. 



And thy thoughts be fixed above ! 
Seek thy Saviour's gracious presence. 
Seek His sweet and boundless love ! 



84 


IN'VOCATIOX. 




So the Sabbath thee shall comfort, 




Cheer thee on thy weary way — 




Till, at length, in yonder mansions, | 




Thou shalt spend an endless day ! 




TXVOCATION. 




1 
Come, gracious Spirit, tune my heart, | 




While T would sing Thy praise — | 




Come, and inspire my languid tongue, 




To heaven my feelings raise — 




So shall I still Thy wonders sing, 




And praise to God my Saviour bring ! 




E'en as the dawning day appears 




And spreads the shades of night. 




So on this poor, benighted soul 


: 


Shed beams of heavenly light — 




0, let me feel Thy presence near, 




Xo more let sin in me appear ! 




For, as the dew-drops gently fall 




Wide o'er the sterile ground. 




And make its parch'd and desert soil 




In richest fruits abound — 




So let Thy grace still life impart 




To this my drear, my failing heart ! 




Yea, come, enrich me with Thy grace, 




And shed Thy love abroad ; 




So shall I early seek Thy face — 




Shall seek my gracious God ; 




Then, come, with beams of mercy shine 




Upon this aching heart of mine ! 



STORM AT SEA. 

Dark o'er the storm-tossed, spraying deep it hung, 
A murky cloud with sportive lightning charged, 
Displaying still its strange and varied scenes 
Of light and darkness mixed. Silent it stood 
As if it dared the boist'rous deep beneath ; 
Anon, the coming storm, uptossing high, 
Disturbed the wondrous, ever-shifting scene ; 
Within the huge and strangely-poised cloud 
The livid lightnings played. The rushing tide 
Up-heaves the billowy, splashing deep beneath, 
And surging wave on wave succeeds ; and, lo, 
The ocean rocks. Deep sounds are heard around ; 
And fragile barks, 'neath which the waters boil, 
Are rudely tossed about ; and all is noise. 
And tumult, with alarm. A brilliant flash 
Of lightning blinds the eye, and strikes the soul 
With dread. In zigzag line it darts athwart 
The murky sky ; and, in the distance, there 
Is heard the mutt'ring thunder; loud peal to 
Peal succeeds. The dark, cerule deep reflects 
The brilliant lightning flash. The souls of men 
Who on its bosom sail deep horror stirs ; 
And trembling, now, they grasp the rocking ship 
As o'er the boist'rous deep it scuds. Despair — 
Dark, stern, despair on ev'ry count'nance sits. 
As eye meets eye, and ghastly visage looks 
On face as grim, and quiv'ring lips reply 



86 STOR.M AT SEA. 

To quiv'ring lips — the trembling hand is seen 
To clasp such trembling hand, and piteous groans 
In other hearts such death-like groans awake, 
And burning tears to tears of brine respond ! 
As scenes like these, confront the eye of man, 
The sturdy soul shrinks back in horror deep, 
And well-nigh yiefds to fate. Destruction e'en 
And sudden death less dreaded are than they I 
Scenes, such as these, do probe the hearts of men. 
And show what are their hop^s and aims beyond 
The present world. The Christian, who has learned 
To place his trust in things unseen, and seeks 
In yonder world a life which fadeth not — 
Who lays up treasures where no thief can come 
And rob him of his wealth, rejoiceth then, 
And hopes, anon, to see his Father's face. 
But he, who lives a sinner, proud, and scorns 
To bow before his Maker's throne, now feels 
His vitals freeze with chill and deadly fears; 
And on his scornful brow there sits enthroned 
i A desperation wild : While hell beneath 

I TT- . , . . 

I ilim opens wide its jaws to circuravene 

And lodge him in its fiery womb. Ah ! then 
What horror fills his soul! He weeps, he mourns : 
He calls for help. His heart, that earlier scorned 
To show dependence on a higher Power, 
And, thus, his Sovereign God acknowledge, 
NTow fails him ; and the frail and reeling bark 
Doth witness scenes of earnest, piteous, pray'r. 
His streaming eyes are raised to God ; and,- on 
That deck, beneath the expanded star-lit 
Heavens, he humbly bends his knees. No more 
Doth him the shame of man deter yielding 
To his Maker, God, and rend'ring homage 



I To Him who rules in heav'n, on earth, in hell 



8Y 



Thus on the troubled deep the lightnings play, 
And thunders roll along the mantled sky, 
While lawless storms upheave the watery deep 
And toss the dashing spray. The massive ships. 
Those monuments of human art and skill, 
Are tossed upon the rough and foaming deep, 
Till naught but sad and floating wrecks remain. 
To those who sail upon the storm-tossed main 
At such an hour, a scene like this displays 
A spectacle at once sublime and grand ! 
One, indeed, looks on with sweet composure, 
And feels a peace within before unknown 5 
Beside him stands another, filled wilh dread. 
His guilty soul o'erwhelmed with fear of hell ! 



SPRINCx. 



Sweet Spring ! Thou com'st in such a lovely guise, 
And in such beauties clad, that, spell-bound, we 
Thy charms admire, and hail thee with delight ! 
Thou usher'st in thy reign with sweetest notes 
And all-harmonious strains of warbling birds 5 
The woods and hills are vocal with their songs. 
Which, re-echoing, greet th' enraptured ear 
Of such as roam these lone and charming wilds ! 

The bland, soft air of balmy morn is filled 

With music sweet ; and evening zephyrs, 

Gently whispering, speak their sad, pathetic 

Tales of love, and o'er us waft sweet odors — 

The fragrant breath of blooming trees exhaled 5 

And sunny noon, alike with morn and eve, 

Displays its charms. Aye, strangely pleasing scenes 

Cheer night and day, while thou, sweet spring, art nigh ! 



No more stern winter seals the gurgling brooks — 
The streamlets wild, from crystal bonds released, 
Now nimbly dance full many a long, lone day, 
In winding course, thro' verdant meads and dales ; 
And, in the streams — the clear and rushing tide — 
The num rous finny tribes now sportive play, 
And nimbly dart along the silvery crest. 
While on its bosom gleams the morning sun ! 

Oh ! how thy charms, sweet Spring, my soul elate, 
And fill me with delight ! Ecstatic joys 
Sweep o'er my ravished breast ; and lovely scenes 
Of meadows, clothed in living green, and groves 
With opening blooms of diverse tints adorned, 
And charming music, from a thousand tongues, 
In concert tuned, all strike mine eyes and ears. 
And 'mind my soul of Heav'n's eternal spring ! 

Then hail, sweet Spring! Suggestive of the dawn of life, 
When from these earthly scenes my soul shall pass 
To yonder lovelier, brighter, scenes on high ! 
Thou lead'st me back where erst the morning stars 
In concert sang, and all the sons of God 
Did shout for joy. Thy life-clad hills, so fair, 
And newly-opening blooms remind me all 
Of scenes like those of resurrection morn ! 

Saint ! how will that morn of days, and spring 

Of years, delight and charm thy ravished soul ! 

Delightful morn to thee ! The mellowed songs 
j Of angels pure and saints shall greet thine ear ; 

j And melting strains from golden harps, and tongues 

With sacred fire touched, shall in thy bosom 
; Find an echo — a kindred cord, which shall 

With rapture sweet and joy to them respond ! 



VISIONS OF heavp:n. 

Stern winter had vanished, so drear and so long, 
And woodland and valley were vocal with song. 
As down a lone meadow I pensively strayed 
All-studded with flowers — in beauty arrayed. 

Each object, encountered, seemed pleasant and new, 
And exquisite beauties stood forth to my view ; 
All, all was so simple, so lovely and fair — 
With Nature, so charming, (), what can compare? 

The gay-dancing streamlet that flowed by my side 
Made music so simple and free from all pride ; 
Its soft-flowing cadence — its echoes so sweet 
Bro't scenes to remembrance with rapture replete. 

I tho't of that music whose soft-flowing strains, 
Distilling like dew-drops on Bethlehem's plains. 
Gave " glory to God," and to mortals forlorn 
Proclaimed the good news that a Saviour was born. 

I thought of that moment when first on my view 
Brake scenes of Redemption so rich and so new, 
When Jesus, who saw me in gloominess grope, 
Became to my spirit the " day-spring" of hope ! 

I thought of yon Temple— sweet portals of bliss — 
And mansions we enter when called to leave this. 
The Home of the pilgrim, once wearied below, 
And oceans of pleasure anmingled with woe ! 



90 THK VOICE OF PRATSF. 

T tho't of that pureness — the sweetness and love, 
The BEAUTY that reigns in the mansions above ; 
These visions — so lovely, so blissful, divine — 
This beauty, dear reader, this sweetness, be thine ! 



ROSES ON A CxRAVE. 

Wherefore, Roses, do you bloom ? 
i Asks one trav'ling to the tomb ; 

Therefore, stranger, that we cheer 
Freelv thee, while thou art here I 



THE VOICE OF PRAISE. 

T saw a little sportive bird 
Of golden plumage, fair, 

Its sweeter notes of music heard 
Soft-floating on the air — 



And all, tho' silent, seemed to say 
Behold our Maker God ! 

I saw the crystal streamlet flow 

In playful mood along, 
And from its simple music rose 

To God a grateful song — 
I saw the starry hosts above 

Illume the dismal night, 
And all their gentle raylets strove 

To praise th' Eternal Light ! 



I,()ST AND SAVED. 91 

I saw, and at ('reation's head 

A loftier being stood, 
Saw Man with far subliraer gifts. 

With nobler pow'rs endued ; 
And shall not he sincerely strive 

His silver voice to raise — 
Look up to God with cheerful heart, 

And sing His endless praise ? 



LOST AND SAVED. 

The full-sail ship securely rode, 

Slow on the dancing main, 
While sailors viewed, with cheerful eye, 

The beauteous marble plain ; 
But soon a murky cloud appeared. 

Poised in the distant sky. 
And as they watched, they trembling saw 

The gathering storm draw nigh. 

The heavens, awhile before so bright. 

Now tinged with deepest gloom, 
Presaged a storm that soon should rise 

And seal their threatened doom : 
The boist'rous deep is tossed and torn, 

The sailing bark is checked — 
The vessel breaks — the cargo sinks — 

The wretched crew is wrecked 1 

Yet many a one the danger braved, 
And, struggling with the tide, 

Was from the angry waters saved. 
And saw the storm subside. 



92 


LOST AND SAVED. 




Thus, rescued from a waterv orrave, 




And safely brought to shore, 


i 
1 


They praise Him who is stronfr to save, 1 


i 


And laud Him evermore ! 




I, too, was once on board a ship, 




Stanch, sailing on the deep, 




No gathering storm around me raged. 




To break my sinful sleep ; 




The world T viewed with calm repose, 




Its pleasures T enjoyed — | 




No serious view of coming wrath. 




My busied thoughts employed. 




Thus calmly on the storm-tossed deep, 


1 


My bark securely rode, ' 


1 


While in the thickest gloom of night. 




My careless soul abode ; 




But He, whose mercy I despised, 




Whose grace I thrust aside. 




My fears alarmed, and kindly said : 




" Canst thou my wrath abide ?" 




From that dread hour my fear increased, 




My feelings who could tell ? 




From every hope my soul had ceased. 




And feared a dismal hell ; | 




The gathering storm drew nearer still. 




Its gloom obscured my path. 




While o'er my soul suspended hung. 




The glittering sword of wrath ! 




My hopes are gone, and deep despair 




Invades my trembling soul ; 




Above is wrath — beneath I see j 




Hell's fiery billows roll — 



.TESUS ALL TN ALL. 93 

But Jesus comes — His pity moves 

As He my state beholds ; 
My cries He hears — within His arms, 

His wand'ring child He folds — 
A heav'nly peace my soul pervades, 

No terrors are abroad — 
My joy is full, since deep is hid 

'' My life with Christ in God." 



JESUS ALL IN ALL. 

Jesus ! Name most dear to me, 
Jesus ! all that eye can see, 
Jesus ! all that heart can taste, 
Jesus ! Thou of all the best ! 

Jesus ! Thou my daily food, 
Jesus ! Thou my only good, 
Jesus ! Thou my portion now, 
Jesus ! mine for ever Thou ! 

Jesus ! Thee alone I seek, 
Jesus ! rapt of Thee I speak, 
Jesus ! Thee my Love I call, 
Jesus ! Thee my all tn all! 

Jesus ! Thee in health I love, 

Jesus ! Thee in sickness prove, 

Jesus ! Thee in life I own — 

Jesus ! Thee in death alone ! ! 



Jesus ! when my life is o'er, 
Jesus ! when on Canaan's shore, 
Jesus ! when I'm safe at home, 
Jesus ! Thee I'll praise alone I 



94 THE CHARMS OF REI,Tf;i()X. 

.lesus ! when the skies have oped, 

Jesus ! when in glory robed, 

Jesus ! Thou my joy, ray \ove, 

Jesus! Life in realms aijovk! 



THE CHAiniS OF lIKLKlloN. 

There's sweetness in the mellowed strains 

That strike the ear at break of day, 
When Nature from her slumber wakes, 

And feathered warblers chant their lay ! 
But sweeter far that song so choice 

Which angels sang on Bethl'hem's plains, 
And sweeter still my Saviour's voice 

Which now my beating heart enchains ! 

There's grandeur in the noon-day sun, 

And beauty in the moon's soft beams, 
There's splendor in yon starry host, 

Whose brightness 'mid the darkness gleams 
But glorious more than mid-day sun. 

Than moon's soft beams more lovely far. 
Much brighter than yon glittering host, 

Ts He — my soul's bright morning star! 

There's music in the gurgling brooks, 

And grandeur in the rushing tide : 
Romantic scenes my vision meet 

On yon majestic mountain side ; 
But, high above those vaulted skies, 

Where suns in brightest glory shine. 
Far nobler scenes attract mine eyes, 

There sits my Saviour all-divine ! 



GLORY OF THE CROSS. 95 

There's magic in the world of thought, 

And glory in the depths of mind, 
There's pleasure in sweet friendship's smile, 

And joy in converse with mankind ; 
But brighter, sweeter, is that world, 

Whose beauties eye hath never seen, 
Whose music ne'er has touched the ear, 

Xor charms by heart conceived have been ! 

There's vastness in creation round. 

And wisdom in the world displayed ; 
There's beauty in its life-clad plains 

And trees in richest robes arrayed ; 
But, in yon world where Jesus reigns. 

Far lovlier scenes attract my view. 
There all is life, and love, and peace — 

There all through endless ages new ! 

There's sweetness in the balmy morn, 

And softness in the twilight gray, 
There's quiet in the midnight gloom, 

And charms are in the gleam of day ; 
But, 0, ten thousand times more sweet. 

More soft the dawn of that bright morn, 
When I, 'mid sweet seraphic strains, 

Shall to my Saviour's side be borne ! 



GLORY OF THE CROSS. 

The cross ! the cross ! Stupendous theme, 
So vast, so deep — profound abyss ! 

Deep as the utmost verge of hell, 
And high as yonder world of bliss ! 

The vasty spheres that whirl in space, 
And stars that burn in distance far, 



96 WHERE ARE THEY ? 

Yon worlds unknown, no eye can trace, 
And suns and moons thy glory share I 
Blest, bloody cross ! Thrice dear to me, 

On which my Saviour, Jesus, died 5 
Sweet, sacred cross ! I gaze on thee, 
And, gazing, in that blood confide. 

Which seals my bliss, 
And yonder, in that " book of Life," 
Records my name ! 



"WHERK ARE THEY?' 

Say, where are they, the path who trod^ 

That leads to Zion's hill— 
Who with us praised their Saviour God, 

With voices soft and still ? 
where are they, who, mourning sin 

With floods of burning tears, 
Looked up to God, found solace there, 

A balm for all their fears ? 

Say, where are now those lovely bands 

Of Christians, young and old, 
Whose cheerful hearts and beaming eyes, 

Their bliss — their fervor told ? 
Whose burning hearts and voices clear, 

In concert oft and sweet. 
To God arose— to praise His Name, 

With joy and bliss replete I 

Ah ! tell me but where summer scenes,. 

Where flow'rets bright and gay — 
Whose fragrance sweet rejoiced the night. 

Whose beauty cheered the day — 



xew-year's greettng. 97 

Where they are gone, there too are those, 

Of whom we now complain— 
Their former joy — their bliss is gone — 

Where pleasure was, is pain! 



NEW-YEAR'S GREETING. 

All hail! ye Patrons, firm and true, 
A " happy" New-year greeteth you ! 



'Tis custom — and, I cannot say 'tis wrong 
For Carrier-boys to sing a New-year's song ; 
To greet their Patrons in appropriate lines, 
And, with the new year, wish them easy times. 

But hand me, first, a little "chink" — 

I'm sure 'twill help my head to think ; 

And — on receiving ready cash. 

My pen will cut a finer — dash I 
Alas ! this vile begging ! The "change" will appear, 
'Tis shameful to doubt it — more shameful to fear ; 
No man will, on " New-year's day," forfeit the joy 
That flows from rewarding the dear "Carrier-boy." 



'Tis not so small a "task," as school-boys say, 
To write a new address, each New-year's day 5 
The day indeed is new — or new in kind — 
Bnt so each other day, if well defined. 
Its special claim is this, as would appear, 
'Tis "new," because it ushers in the year ; 
And years compose the life-rule here below, 
And seal our bliss, or doom to endless woe ! 



98 XEW-YEAR S (IREETTXf!. 

This special day — distinct from all beside, 

To one grand purpose then may be applied ; 

It constitutes — if I may thus define — 

'Twixt year and year the separation-line. 

The "old," stamped on Omniscience' book, remains, 

By virtue marked — or by pollution's stains. 

Untried — distinctly though within our view. 

Stands the inviting, bright, and future new. 

The day reviewed — its purposes defined. 

And to each one a solemn part assigned, 

The query comes, and for the past demands 

A strict and solemn answer at our hands : 

The year — how was it spent ? its duties met ? 

Doth its review occasion no " regret?'' 

Sa-v, how has man been used ? how God adored ? 

How sins confessed ? and mercy — how implored ? 

I'm sure I brought — ;just as I brought before, 
Last year, a weekly " message" to your door— 
To suit the diverse tastes of many minds, 
I brought delicious fruits of various kinds. 
To cheer her sex, when summer days were long, 
The gentle Western ''muse'" most sweetly sung ; 
And when she ceased, another caught the fire. 
And strikes, to this day, still her tuneful "lyre." 

The "boiling springs," tho' now they've ceased to boil, 
Some lengthy sheets dispatched, 'midst various toil ; 
And e'en the Schuylkill hills their portion gave. 
In cheerful rhyme — in "conversations'' grave. 
The frigid North, mild East, and distant West, 
Each furnished some — good, better, some the best ; 
And from the South, woe, woe, the fated dance ! 
Spake some one like — 'twas not exactly " Lance." 



NKW-YKAH's (JHEKTINC. 99 

Yet more. " My Study '—signed by " E. H. N." 
Most brilliant pictures drew of various men ; 
And brother " B."* — but, lest I should forget, 
I'll simply mention here that " X. Y. Z.'" — 
And brother " B.," for young and old, I guess, 
p]ach Monday morn dispatched a new ''Address." 
And '• Vinet"" — for, we deem it here in place — 
And ''Vinet" urged a steady "growth in grace."' 

Sometimes, 'tis very true, a lance was broke. 
And some may now regret what then they spoke. 
So '• Aleph's" pen involved a host in blame. 
And " Alpha'' censured him, to save his name. 
For, sometime since, you know, a scourge appeared, 
On polished canes, and specks, and partners " deared." 
The scourge was felt, and raised a dreadful " storm," 
Twas, therefore, best that "blame" disown in form 1 

And of'' Germania's'' sons — excuse the name, 
Where words don't rhyme, the poets not to blame, 
One of Germania's sons a " picture" drew. 
Somewhat too dark, it seems, for me and you. 
But, pray, let's pass the matter off in sport, 
And cross the blunders in his long " report ;" 
For — as they say — he left his love behind. 
And love, you know, is always painted " blind." 

And, then that doctor — best suppress his name — 
Some chance time still plays off his wonted game ; 
Whilst sturdy " West," and Eastern critics join, 
To pay ihe " scribbler" off in his own coin. 
But cease this warlike straii;— the work define 
Which lies beyond the " separation' line — 
This done — I'll close my dull, protracted song, 
Which even now, I fear, is much too long. 



100 BLEST IN CHRIST. 

And first of all — let each one now assist 
To swell the coming year's subscription list. 
Peruse my sheet — 'twill much your joy enhance, 
And always pay your "paper" — in advance ! 
Why''so ? What reason can there be assigned, 
Why this injunction men should bear in mind? 
Precisely this— that, if they pay before, 
They need not pay it when the year is o'er ! 

One other thing — my notions please excuse, 
One other thing I here would introduce, 
The paper— mark it! — can't itself produce, 
It needs assistance — don't this aid refuse I 
And, whilst to dictate we would not presume, 
I would suggest — 'twill save no little room — 
To use not many words — do but express . 
Your finest thoughts, the rest let readers guess I 

My work is done — my puzzling task performed. 
The " noble" flattered, and the vicious scorned ! 
" What's writ, is writ" — the critic's scorn despite ! 
Though dull it be, or e'en insipid quite. 
'Tis good enough — and this is all my joy — 
'Tis good enough for me a " Carrier-boy." 
A happy " New-year,'' Patrons, waits for you. 
My song is o'er, except one word — Adieu !" 



BLEST IN CHRIST. 



Nor eye hath seen so fair a sight. 

Nor ear hath heard so sweet a sound, 

Nor heart enjoyed such pure delight. 
As in my Saviour I have found. 



ACROSTir. 101 

On Him my brightest hopes repose, 

And sweetly on His love I rest ; 
While He is near I fear no foes, 

But in Him feel supremely blest. 

'Tis Jesus — who, in Life, shall be 
My hope, my joy, when sins prevail ; 

'Tis Jesus — who shall comfort me 
When every earthly hope shall fail I 



ACROSTJC— IMPROMPTU. 

Much as of pleasant things we speak, 
In sin such things we vainly seek — 
Sin yields at best but terrene ease, 
iSeek not, then, here for solid peace ! 

Sad are the scenes, but seldom sweet. 
Upon this earth we're called te meet ; 
Sad are its sorrows — sweet its joys. 
And yet these last are empty toys ; 
Not on this earth, not in its scenes, 
Xot in its fond, its fairy dreamt. 
Are joys the truly wise esteems — 
Earth yields us only pain ! 

Some seek, I know, their pleasures here. 
Urged by their fancies — not by fear — 
Lost to all virtue — who may tell 
Their state so sad — not bliss, a hell ? 
Zion— be thou the Christian's joy ! 
Bound up in thee — without alloy — 
Are pleasures found ! Lone pilgrim, this, 
Chief joy — be also thine, thy bliss — 
Here found, thy joys remain ! 



THE CAGED DOVE. 



Singular.— Our friend Mr. E. B. Eichholtz, who Is fond of birds, 
had a dove whicli exhibited a great aversion to its prison, and a strong 
desire to be free; its struggles were so continued and painful, that 
finally a feeling of compassion prevailed, and the gentle, cooing bird I 
was set at liberty, and away it soared, away— away— with rapid wing. I 
Three weeks or more elapsed, when Mr. E. was surprised, one morn- I' 
ing, by a visit from a strange dove, which seemed to clamor for atten- [ 
tiou and a cage ; a cage was given it, when lo, by certain unmistaka- ! i 
ble marks, Mr. E. knew it to be his quondam feathered pet, which had 
returned, wounded and weary, to be nursed. Some relentless sports- 
man had shot it ; one leg was broken, and the bird was otherwise 
injured. It is now well and seem.s perfectly happy in its wire-wrought 
home. Here is food for thouglit and material for Poetry.— iJ/mcrs' 
Journal. 

In the wiry ca^e enclosed, ^ 

Lonely sat the cooing dove, ji 

Free, in groves no more reposed, | 

Softly there to speak her love ; ; 

All her former joys debarred, i 

?]very scene she loved so well ; 
Who can paint her destine hard, ' 

Who the cheerless story tell ? 

Anxious round the cage she looked, 

Fondly hoping some relief — 
Gladsome every hardship brooked, j 

Gently breathed her tale of grief; t 

Still her every effort failed. 

She no friendly aid obtained — 
Yet, at length, her suit prevailed, 

And her freedom she regained. j 



THE CAGED DOVE. 103 

Quick her azure pinions poised, 

Swiftly through the air she flew, 
Sought her love-companion host 

Where to nestle them she knew ; 
Sweetly passed the time away, 

As she winged her joyous flight, 
Wearied not by close of day — 

Rested not at dead of night. 

But she found not those she loved, 

Saw no one she knew before — 
Distant far her mates removed, 

Every scene seemed sad and sore ; 
Fowlers, ranging o'er the plain. 

Cruel, gave an aching wound, 
Lonely, racked with piercing pain, 

Where ? where, could rest be found ? 

Like the imprisoned China-man, 

From his dungeon dark released. 
Sought his lone retreat again, 

When he found his friends deceased ; 
So the wand'ring dove — forlorn, 

To a friendless world consigned. 
Doomed in freedom's range to mourn, 

Rather chose to be confined. 

Sad, she turned from scenes abroad, 

Backward traced her wand'rings lone. 
Guided by her unseen God, 

Safely reached her destined home, 
Trembling, now^ to fate resigned, 

Craved again admittance there — 
Glad in cage to be confined, 

Seasons foul and seasons fair! 



104 child's DEDICATION' HYMN. 

Shrewdly, brave, her cause she plead, 

Frequent moved her body torn. 
Showed her limbs of crimson red, 

Hero-like, her state forlorn ; 
Moving strains her master hail, 

Gently flow her notes of love. 
These, combined, on him prevail, 

He receives the cooing dove ! 

Rescued from the fowler's rage, 

Safely all her perils o'er — 
Glad, she hails her wiry cage, 

Freedom she esteems no more ; 
Much by sad experience taught, 

Humbled, now, content and meek, 
That she once so eager sought, 

She resolves no more to seek. 

Every danger freedom wore, 

Every pain she then endured, 
Now she feels can harm no more. 

In her wiry cage secured ; 
Where, in sadness once confined, 

Cherished tho' by hands of love, 
There contented, blest, resigned. 

Cheerful sits the cooinjr dove ! 



CHILD'S DKDKWTIOX HYMX. 

My Saviour — dearest to my heart, 
Thou dost to me each good impart •, 
Then why, why, should I decline 
And not myself to Thee resign ! 



child's dedication hymn. 105 

Thou art the fountain of my life, 
And I must not against Thee strive, 
While Thou art holding out Thy hand 
To lead me to that promised land ! 

Forbid it, Lord, that I should be 
Ungrateful, and estranged from Thee; 
Since Thou art willing to forgive, 
And wouldst have me in glory live ! 

'Tis yonder that my home shall be 
Through endless ages— blest in Thee ; 
'Tis yonder, I shall see my God 
Now gracious in redeeming blood ! 

For didst not Thou, Almighty king. 
Descend and us salvation bring ? 
Ah ! Lord, 'tis mercy reigns on high. 
This prompted Thee to come and die ! 

It was of love the Lord came down 
And meekly bore the thorny crown. 
That sinners might return to Him, 
And be redeemed from death and sin. 

Lord, I am Thine, I must confess. 
Since Thou art ever kind to bless, . 
And pray Thee keep me in Thy fear, 
Until the " Son of Man" appear. 

To Thee I now resign my soul. 
My future life do Thou control ; 
And while I live, I'll live to Thee, 
Who Father, Son, and Spirit be I 

LINES ON THE ABOVE. 

Written when the shades of night, 
Low'ring hung around my bed 5 



106 LTXES TO A BEREAVED SISTER. 

When my spirit deeply sighed 
After Christ my living Head. 



LINES TO A BEREAVED SISTER. 

Written on the reception of a letter containing a notice of the death 
of the third child of my sister— all of whom had died within the space 
of a few years. 

Parents sad — of peace bereft- 
Scarce a comfort you is left ; 
Piercing, have successive darts 
Entered deep your bleeding hearts ; 
Children, whom you dearly loved, 
One by one have been removed ! 

Keenly were the pains it gave, 
Felt, to see your first one's grave ; 
Scarce were healed the hearts it broke, 
Ere yon felt a second stroke ; 
Tears still brinier now are shed, 
As one love-pledge more is fled ! 

Parents sad — I weep with you, 
Feel your pangs — your sadness too ; 
I, who bear a brother's heart. 
In your sadness share a part — 
Weep with you, who justly weep. 
Seek the comforts which you seek ! 

Oh I a balm for souls distrest. 
Is a brother's feeling breast I 
Know we but that those we love, 
Feel their souls in pity move, 
This will ease the burd'ning grief, 
This to sorrows give relief I 



PANCHARIS. 107 

Parents s&,d — this tribute take, 
And your hearts to joy awake ! 
Think — tho' of your babes bereft, 
They a world of sin have left ; 
Safe, behind yon starry sky — 
Lo ! they live — no more can die ! 

Parents blest — weep no more. 
Sadness, sorrow, all be o'er ! 
Children, whom you dearly loved, 
God has kindly hence removed ! 
Sin and death for them are o'er, 
Parents blest — weep no more ! 

Scenes of bliss successive rise — 
Mansions — lo ! in Paradise ! 
Children whom you dearly loved, 
God has to yon world removed ; 
Safe now home — their dangers o'er, 
Parents blest — then weep no more! 



PANCHARIS— A PARAPHRASE. 

Christian, know thy high vocation, 

Lo ! by grace a child of God ! 
Glad, sustain this dear relation, 

Purchase of redeeming blood : 
Sinner once — with sinners straying. 

Lost and wretched, doomed to death , 
Sinner now — with saints obeying. 

Sharer of "like precious faith.' 

Rescued from thy sad condition. 
Sin, defilement, guilt and shame — 

From estrangement, base ambition. 
Safe — redeemed in Jesus' name — 



108 PAXCHARTS. 

Friend esteemed, an heir of heaven, 
"Righteous" made in Him that died, 

Free — all blessings thee be given — 
" Grace and Peace be multiplied." 

"All things." here to life pertaining, 

N'eedful to salvation deemed, 
fn the Saviour's blood obtaining, 

liy His death from death redeemed— 
"All things" are His loved ones given, 

Purchased — saved by grace divine — 
Called to virtue, bliss, and heaven, 

Christian, thus, are all things thine I 

Promised gifts all thought transcending, 

" Precious and exceeding great"— 
Blessings, Pilgrim, thee attending. 

Rescued from thy lost estate — 
Sin, pollution, guilt, escaping. 

Sharing now a life divine — 
Strength to stand, each snare evading, 

Christian, lo ! this grace is thine I 

Free from every false relation — 

Free from sin, and guilt, and death. 
Earnest, heed thy high vocation, 

Serious, guard tby " precious faith," 
Watchful still in each connection. 

To thy faith be " virtue " joined— 
Firm to give each grace protection. 

Kindly thus of God designed ! 

These now had in full possession. 
Guards to every danger nigh — 

Still enhancing thy profession, 

" Knowledge" add to gifts so high : 



WELCOME TO " X. Y. Z." THE SECOND. 109 

And to knowledge, keen-eyed mistress, 
'^ Temp'rance " forms a fitting maid, 

Join yet " Patience " — gentle victress — 
All thy hopes on her be stayed ! 

And to Patience — suff'ring meekness, 

" Godliness" be closely joined — 
Adding still a creature ''Kindness'' 

Comfort for the poor designed — 
And to crown these all with beauty. 

Precious, brightest, purest gem — 
Life and soul of christian duty, 

" Charity" be joined with them ! 

For, these things in due relation. 

If in thee, and there abound — 
They shall make thee in thy station, 

" Sterile" not, nor " fruitless" found 5 
He, who lacks these central graces, 

Sure is blind, and cannot see — 
He forgets his deep-stained vices. 

Purged from which, he now is free ! 

Wherefore, strive more bravely, Christian, 

Careful, make thy calling sure — 
If once clear be thine election, 

Thou shalt ever stand secure ; 
For an " Entrance" to yon mansion. 

Kingdom of thy gracious Lord — 
Thine beyond the blue expansion. 

Christian, is thy "great reward!" 



WELCOME TO " X. Y. Z." THE SECOND. 

At times we smile, and sometimes weep, 
As o'er the weekly sheet we peep ; 



110 don't abuse this SPORTIVK DAY. 

The various '' news" a glance secure. 
And some repel, and some allure. 
To-day I smiled, and smile as yet, 
To see— a second " X — Y — Z." 

'Tis pleasant, surely, now and then. 
To see one's "name" in print again, 
Since on this hangs the writer's fame. 
That virtuous men repeat his name, 
Then hail my pen, without regret, 
As friend — this second " X — Y — Z." 

Our bus ness we, may each attend, 
Nor less of '' composition" send — 
There's work enough for each to do — 
There's work enough for me and you. 
Then hands we join, without regret. 
The first and second— '^X'—Y—Z." 



DON'T ABUSE THIS SPORTIVE DAY 

FOURTH OF .IUT,Y SONfJ. 

: Teachers. 

j Little children, brisk and gay, 

j Don't abuse this sportive day ! 

I Cheerful, lively, full of glee, 

I We are pleased each one to see ; 

I Children, only, we would say. 
Don't abuse this sportive day I 



Children. 
Kindest teachers, fond and dear, 
Merry here we all appear ! 
Cheerful is the day begun. 





don't abuse this sportive day. Ill 


i 


Oh ! we'll have a heap of fun ; 1 




Teachers, then, we children gay 




Won't abuse this sportive day! 




Teachers. 




Children high and children low, \ 




Welcome here, and cheerful go ! 




Pleasant, merry, all may be. 




Full of fun and full of glee ; 




Only, children, we would say '- 




Don't abuse this sportive day ! 




Children. \ 




Teachers young and teachers old, 




Here we come a curious fold, - 




Some are little — older some, r 




But we all together come. 




Singing, we, so glad and gay, 




Won't abuse this sportive day ! 




Teachers and Children. 




Teachers grave, and children gay, 




All seem young and brisk to-day ; j 




Strange it is — but so it goes, 




How it is, one hardly knows ; 




Teachers grave, and children gay. 




Won't abuse this sportive day! [ 




Omnes. ; 




Joining all we cheerful raise 




To our God a song of praise ; 




He sustains both great and small, j 




Children, Teachers, friends and all, 




Cheerful, then, we jointly say, i 




Don't abuse this sportive day ! 



ACROSTIC. 

Gone, Dear Brother, to realms of love, 
Eternal life to taste above — 
Oh ! how divine, how sweet thy rest. 
Reclining on the Saviour's breast ! 
Glorious thought — reflection sweet, 
Etherial songs thy joys repeat ! 
Jehovah, Lord of earth and heav'n, 
Hath to thee rest eternal giv'n. 
Enjoy that rest — that sacred rest, 
In sweet communion with the blest : 
Secure from pain, from danger free, 
Long shall thy blissful portion be. 
Eternal life — without alloy- 
Replete with songs of sacred joy ! 

REFLECTIONS. 

Hark ! Hark ! a lovely voice descends, 
Look up, ye now surviving friends, 
Come, parents, brothers, sisters, come. 
Accept this sweet, this sacred home. 

Behold ! in yonder spheres sublime. 
There reigns your Saviour all Divine; 
i 'Tis He, who once for sinners died. 

Now pleads your cause in mercy's sight. 

Oh ! will you, can you yet delay. 
And not the Saviour's voice obey ? 
How can you still His love deride. 
Who, on the cross, to save you died ? 



REFLECTIONS. 


113 ! 


Oh ! can you, notwithstanding all 
The strong appeals of mercy's call, 
The Saviour of mankind despise, 
And risk your title to the skies ? 


1 

i 

i; 
I' 


Oh ! will you live from day to day, 
And with the foolish worldling say, • 
My soul, now take thy wonted ease, 
Thy goods, laid up, will never cease ! 


1 

i, 
r 

i 


Oh ! will you spend your life in vain. 
And have your souls in sin remain ? 
Say — will you live without a thought 
Of death, of judgment, and of God ? 


.:i 


If this you do, there is a place. 




Where pain and sorrow never cease ; 
And in that place their home must be. 
Who slight His love, so vast, so free ! 


■■ 


But should you now to Jesus come, 
On high will be your lasting home ; 
And there may you for ever sing 
The praises of your heav'nly king ! 


• 


Come, then, and all with one accord, 
Accept the offers of your Lord ; 
Come, make His grace your all in all, 
And you shall never, never, fall. 




Thus speaks the mercy of the Lord 
In sweetest language of His word : 
■ " Return, wanderers, return 
And I will love you as mine own.'' 




Oh ! may this light of Love divine 
Upon your souls in mercy shine ; 





<l 



114 THK PRODKiAL SON. 

Conduct you in that pleasant way 
Which issues in an endless day ! 

state, beyond conception sweet, 
With joys divine and love replete ; 
A life — in which uneeasin<y roll 
Oceans of bliss across the soul ! 

Oh ! will you not for such a day, 
To Christ your loving Saviour pray ? 
A day — whose sunny beams how bright, 
Th' eternal God himself the light ! 

Then come, obey your Saviour's voice. 
And make the Lord your early choice! 
So shall you dwell with Him above, 
And feast upon redeeming love ! 

Hark! Hark! the Saviour calls once more 
Kre yet your day of grace is o'er — 
Oh ! heed this sweet, this loving call, 
And froelv choose Him one and all ! 



THE FRODIOAL SOX. 

In figures the Saviour of men was rehearsing 

The madness and folly which oft He had seen, 
When, lo ! in review, the thick darkness dispersing, 

A picture stood forth as in life it had been ; 
This purpose for, wisely, a •' certain man" choosing. 

To whom In much mercy " two sons" had been given. 
He sketched the sad issues of freedom abusing, 

A picture like Hades in contrast with heaven. 



THE PRODICAL SON. 115 

The younger, his portion of substance requesting, 

Cried : •' Give me, my Father, the goods that are due ; 
Though sorry the peace of my Parent molesting, 

I'm going— I cannot stay longer with you ;" 
In anguish of spirit the Father was musing 

O'er scenes the lone stranger would likeliest meet. 
Yet, found he could stay not the tender boy losing. 

And kindly the portion laid down at his feet ! 

The youth so impatient, '' not many days" pausing. 

His treasures collected, safe, firmly secured, 
Away and away went the youngster rejoicing, 

Far, far from his homestead by fancies allured ; 
Absolved from his bondage, and virtue discarding, 

In wickedness soon the dear youth became rife, 
And, not the good counsels of Parent regarding, 

" There wasted his substance in riotous life." 

And when, so profusely his resources wasting, 

He noticed, at last, that his treasures were gone. 
Quick on to his ruin by famine still hasting. 

He found to his sorrow himself was undone ; 
Thus forced to employment so sadly degrading, 

The means of subsistence most coldly denied. 
He fain would — his highly-wrought fancies abating. 

Have been with the ^' swine" in his living allied. 

Oh ! sad to the youth in such fancies abounding. 

This state must have proved in his awful extreme. 
As e'en the rude " husks," tho" his pathway surrounding, 

Denied him, as means of subsistence, had been ; 
Wo, wo to transgressors ! — All reason dethroning, 

Sin leaves the poor wretch a sad victim of shame ; 
And prostrate in dust — his sad bondage bemoaning. 

He feels on him rests the whole burden of blame. 



116 THE PRODKJAL SOX. 

And here, now, to home-life his fancies recurring. 

He calls to remembrance the scenes of his youth, 
And glad to his freedom those pleasures preferring, 

Enjoyments connected with virtue and truth — 
•' He came to himself," and — most humbly confessing 

His sins — he exclaimed, with a spirit illumed, 
" Our servants have bread, in al)undance possessing. 

Whilst here T. poor wretch, am with hunger consumed.'" 

Aroused by his sorrows — his C(tuscience oppressing, 

He formed the good purpose : " T now will arise, 
And go to my Father — my failures confessing — 

Sav, Father, I've sinned against Thee and the skies, 
T am no more worthy — thy mandates transgressing, 

A son to be called, or thy grace to receive ; 
Still, Father, forgive me, richest in blessing. 

Thy servant but make me, my sorrows relieve?" 

Bv grace thus assisted — those tho'ts still revolving, 

To come to his Father, he quickly arose — 
His Father there saw him, — on mercy resolving. 

He hastened with pleasure his love to propose ; 
And kindlv fell on hirr., his dear one embracing. 

And '' kissed" the sweet boy with a father's strong love; 
" Mv mercies are boundless, thy sins all effacing, 

I will be thv Father — thv home be above.'' 

The soul-stricken sinner, his wand'rings bewailing, 

Confessed himself worthless, polluted, and vile : 
The father still loved him, his mercies prevailing, 

He met him in kindness — his fear with a smile : 
" Go, hasten to clothe him, the richest robe bringing, 

His hand on, a ringlet, and shoes on his feet — 
Let's eat and be merry, all cheerfully singing, 

My SOX that is found, let us joyfully greet." 



MARTYR HYMN OF THE EARLY CHURCH. 

FROM THE I>ATIN, 

Th' eternal gifts of Christ, the King, 
And victories of martyrs strong, 

Their well-deserved praise we sing 
With souls elate and cheerful song ! 

The Princes of Thy church were they, 
Triumphant leaders of the fight. 

Brave soldiers of celestial ray — 

The erring world's substantial light ! 



And pains of body all despised, 
By hope of sacred death allured, 
A blissful life they realized ! 

The martyrs to the flames consigned, 
To teeth of cruel beasts of prey — 

With instruments of torture armed, 
The hand of malice seeks to slay ! 

Denuded though their viscera — 
Their sacred blood effused in strife, 

Still calm and undisturbed are they. 
By strength of a perennial life ! 

Firm is Thy saints' devoted faith. 
And undismayed Thy people's trust ; 

The precious, priceless, grace of Christ 
Still triumphs o'er the sons of dust ! 



118 HYMN OF ST. CLEMEXT. 

In them the Father's glory shines. 
In them the Son's good-will we meet, 

In them exults the Spirit blest, 

And Heaven with rapture is replete ! 

Thee now, Reedemer, we beseech. 
That, with their blissful host above, 

Thou wouldst Thy praying saints unite 
In an eternal bond of love ! 



GRABSCHRIFT. 



Rosen ! warum blueht ihr hier 
Froelich auf dem kuehlen Grabe ? 

Pilgrim ! dass wir geben dir 

HoflFnuug — schcenste Himmels-Gabe ! 

Rosen ! und, nach kurzem Lauf, 
Doch verblueht was hier zu sehen ? 

Pilgrim ! es blueht wieder auf 

In den schooenen Himmels-hoehen ! 



HYMX OF ST. CLEMENT. 

FROM THE GREEK. 

Thou Rector of indocile youth. 
Thou Pinion of unerring birds, 
Of infants small the safest Guide, 
And Shepherd of Thy royal Lambs, 
Thy simple children congregate 

To sacred praise, 

Sincere, to sing 

With guileless lips 



HYMX OF ST. CLEMENT. 119 

The Leader of Thy children — Christ ! 

Thou King of saints, 

All-swaying Word 
The Holy Father of— Most High ! 

Of wisdom Chief, 

The lab'rer's Stay, 

Unfailing Joy — 

Of human kind 
The strong Deliv rer, Jesus, Thou ! 

Shepherd, Vintner, 

Guide — Director, 

Wing Supernal 
Of Thy most holy — blessed flock I 

Angler of men— ' 

The rescued, saved 

From ocean vile — 

The stainless fish 

From hostile waves 
Alluring — to delicious Life ! 

Guide — of human 

Sheep the Pastor, 

Sacred Leader, 
O King of inexperienced youth ! 

Foot-steps of Christ, 

Celestial Way, 

Unfailing Word, 

Perennial Age, 

Eternal Light, 

Sweet mercy's Font, 

And virtue's Soul, 

Sweet Life of those 
Loud praising God — Jesus Christ ! 

Celestial Milk 

Of sweetest breasts. 
The grace-dispensing Bride's rich boon, 



120 



The Essence of Thy wisdom pure ! 

Thy Children dear 

Of guileless lips 

Have nourished been 

Of Reason's breast, 
With spirit chaste completely filled ! 

Praise simple, then. 

And Hymns sincere. 
Ascending, hail our King — the Christ ! 

The sacred gifts 

Of living lore — 

We jointly sing, 

Sincerely sing 
The valiant Son — blest Prince of grace ! 

Chorus of Peace, 

In Christ renewed. 

Sweet Wisdom's race, 
Let's jointly sing — the God of Peace ! 



HKAVKN, 



There is a place than all more sweet, 
With sacred joy — with bliss replete. 
Where virtues all most sweetly blend, 
Where friend communion holds with friend. 

'Tis found where saints in rapture meet, 
Where spirits pure such spirits greet — 
'Tis found where Christ supremely reigns. 
And angels chant their lofty strains. 

And in that world, and on that spot, 
The brilliant prospect changeth not, 
Each day brings on a lovlier view, 
And joy succeeds each joy anew ! 



THE MARYS AT THE SAVIOUR's TOMB. 121 

Sweet, sacred spot ! There softly rest. 
My ransomed soul 'mid spirits blest ! 
And when Life's short career doth close, 
Then grant me but in thee repose ! 



THE MARYS AT THE SAVIOUR'S TOMB. 

'Twas when the day began to dawn. 
To see His torab the Marys came, 

By strong affection thither drawn, 

For Tear-drop is their common name. 

An Angel rolled the rock away, 

And, musing, still sat on the stone, 

His " raiment' white — of purest ray, 
His countenance most brilliant shone. 

He saw the fairy creatures come. 

And, smiling, " fear not" seemed to say ; 

The Saviour's risen, 'live and gone. 

Come see the '' place'" where Jesus lay! 

Go — quickly His disciples tell 

The Master's risen from the dead, 

And, where the Galileans dwell, 
Lo I ye shall see Him as He said ! 

And they, departing quickly thence. 
Made haste to tell the wond rous tale ; 

While on their way, in deep suspense, 
There met them Jesus, saying — " hail !" 

" All hail" — how strange, so charming, sweet, 
They knew Him, 'twas His gracious word. 

And, prostrate at the Saviour's feet. 
They worship now their risen Lord ! 



122 DARE TO BK TRUE. 

And, gazing on the trembling fair — 
" Be not afraid'' the Saviour said, 

"Go, tell my brethren, they shall there^ 
Jn Galilee, see Me, their Head T" 

O sacred place ! moment blest. 
That saw the Lord alive again I 

His triumphs are to sinners rest. 
His risen life — the life of men I 

The Marys on this word relied — 

The joyful news were quickly spread, 
He's here again — the crucified — 

*' The Saviour's risen from the dead J" 

The trembling saints cheer up again. 
Anew their dying hopes revive, 

Their murdered Lord is back with them, 
Sure pledge of an immortal life ! 



GRABSCHRIFT. 



Traurend steht ihr an dem Grabe, 
Finster scheint der Todten Haus ; 

Doch, ich schcene Hoffnung habe, 
Piinstens komm ich froh heraus ; 

Den ihr liebtet hier bei Leben, 

Wird euch Gott dort wieder geben ! 



DARE TO BE TRUE. 

In what you do, or think, or write, 
Let wisdom all thy tho'ts indite. 
And act the paltry wits despite ! 



ALBUM— "WHITE." 

An ^^ Album" seems a curious thing, 
A "subject" not— not quite a "king," 
'Tis honored by a num'rous train, 
Yet, looks on none with proud disdain. 
'Tis Album called— in English "white," 
Tho' in it "Scribs" presume to write. 

But why a thing, both "white" and "black," 
In NAME should either feature lack, 
You can't with any grace demand 
That I at all should understand. 
The sky is "gloomy" called, you know, 
Sometimes, alas ! in time of snow — 
Then, why, tho' common sense despite, 
May we not call it "Album"— white ? 

If I should, now, this thing define 
According to these views of mine, 
I could not better do, methinks. 
Than call it an Egyptian " Sphinx." 
This course, tho' each most clearly saw. 
Were not according quite to " law" — 
Yet, since I have no better name. 
Will any my misfortune blame ? 

This "Album," then, a nameless thing, 
A "subject" not — nor quite a " king," 
We have presumed — with praise or blame ? 
An Eastern, mystic " Sphinx" to name. 



124 THE Pn-GRIMS' SOXfi. 

But since this "Album" can't be quite 
An Album pure — a spotless "white," 
May gentlemen, with stain or blot, 
Or Impure lines — disgrace it not I 

And ladies— may I venture here. 
To check a too excessive cheer? — 
Ye ladies, most supremely chaste, 
Be modest— shun a vicious taste ! 
Where vice supreme dominion gains, 
No beauty, pathos, charm remains ; 
Sometimes, in one unguarded line, 
Fair virtue sinks — bright gem divine f 
Avoid this rock, in Life's dark main, 
On which who founders sinks in shame. 
Sad wreck ! — A charmless form alone, 
A spectre's left — the Lady's gone ! ! 



THK nL(;KLMS' SOX(;, 



FROM THK CKKMAV. 



The following beautiful song is attached to a German edition of the 
•' Imitatio Christi," by Thomas a Kempis, and is designed as an en- 
couragement to weary pilgrims on their way to the " land of the 
blest." The translation is literal throughout, and faithful to the 
original, so far as the nature of the subject, and the peculiarity of the 
metre would admit. 

Gome, children, let us journey. 

The ev'ning shades make haste ; 
'Tis dangerous here to linger, 

Within this barren waste ; 

Come, be your strength renew'd, 
To endless life advancing, 
Your graces still enhancing, 

The end's supremely good ! 



THE pilgrims' SONG. 125 

We shall not view regretful, 

The narrow pilgrim-path, 
We know full-well the Faithful, 

Who us invited hath ; 

Come follow, then, and trust Him, 
With strong affection burning, 
Each one his visage turning, 

Straight to Jerusalem ! 

The parting — thus effected — 

Cannot but pleasant be. 
Things better are expected 

When quite released and free ; 

Then, children, fear not — no ! 
A thousand worlds despising. 
Their threat'ning and enticing. 

Still on your journey go 1 

When nature firm opposing. 

Your course is good and fair ; 
While flesh and sense some choosing, 

Most wretched pilgrims are ; 

Then leave the creature — leave 
Whate'er of sin partaking. 
And, e'en yourselves forsaking, 

The mighty work achieve ! 

Like pilgrims we must journey. 

Free — truly nude and poor, 
Much gath'ring, keeping, lugging. 

Our falt'ring steps allure 5 

Who likes, his death may speed ; 
We journey quite denuded — 
With little wealth included, 

That serves in time of need ! 



126 THE PILdRlMS' SONG. 

Supreme, your hearts adorning, 
Nor body else nor dome ; 

We're strangers here sojourning, 
Must soon forsake our home : 
CoxcERX brings bitter grief— 

A pilgrim, well preparing, 

Endureth, though despairing, 
The pilgrimage so brief ! 

Xor let U3 much be viewing 

The trinkets by the way ; 
Thus halting — these pursuing, 

Occasions much delay ; 

These follies — all be gone ! 
Thro' thick and thin proceeding, 
Nor trifling senses heeding, 

The vict'ry soon is won ! 

E'en though the way be narrow. 

Quite rugged, lone, and steep. 
With thorny weeds abounding, 

With many a cross — and deep ! 

'Tis still but Nature's way ; 
Enough I — yet still proceeding. 
Our blessed Leader heeding. 

We break through ev'ry stay ! 

What hearing here and seeing, 

AVe scarcely hear and see ; 
We leave it, then, still fleeing, 

No dream shall heeded be ; 

We crave eternity ; 

With God communion seekng, 
Our walk in Heaven's keeping. 

Our souls and all shall be! 



THE PILORTMS' SONG. 


127 


We journey on unnoticed, 




Despised and unknown ; 




And scarcely seen or heeded, 




Or heard so far from home : 




And when we heeded are, 




We're heard and heeded singing 




The joys which time is bringing, 




In yonder regions fair ! 




Come, children, let us journey, 




The Father goes along, 




Our feeble steps supporting 




In tempest fierce and strong ; 




And courage He will give, 




With sweetest beams alluring, 




Still calling and assuring ; 




Oh ! blissful, thus to live ! 




Let each one, cheerful hast'ning. 




Pursue the great reward ; 




The fiery "cloud" regarding. 




The presence of the Lord ; 


, i 


The eye but linger may, 




Where beck'ning Love, enticing 




Him, thus, not her despising. 




Conducts in wisdom's way! 




The Lamb's sweet image bearing, 




'Twill be on us impressed, 




And in our walk appearing. 




So childlike — so depressed ! 




So gentle, mild, and meek. 




The lambkins, onward straying. 




Their shepherd's voice obeying. 




His will alone they seek ! 





128 THE pilgrims' soxg. 

Come, children, let's be moving, 
We're going hand in hand ; 

Each one with each conjoining, 
In this wild desert land : 
Come, let us childlike be, 

Not by the way contending, 

While angel-bands attending. 
As brethren frank and free ! 



Should e'er some weak one falter. 
Ye strong ones bear him on ; 

Thus each the other aiding. 
Let peace and love be shown 5 
Come, be ye closely bound ; 

The lowest rank each taking, 

And every sin forsaking. 

Here on this sacred ground ! 



Come, cheerful let's be going. 

Still shorf'ning is our road ; 
Each day this comfort knowing. 

We'll soon reach our abode ; 

Some little courage more ! 
To each be Jesus nearer, 
His grace than all things dearer. 

We'll, thus, reach Heaven's shore ! 

Not longer much enduring 

The time for us to roam — 
Not longer much enduring, 

And we shall be at home ; 

There shall we be at rest. 
When we with all the pious. 
Shall to our Father hie us, 

0, how supremely blest ! 



HAPPY IN god's love. 129 

On this dear truth relying, 

'Tis well our risking worth — 
And wholly that denying 

Which Villains us down to earth. 

The world is far too small ; 
Thro' Jesus, dead and bleeding, 
To endless life succeeding — 

Be Christ our "all in all !" 

O friend, in whom believing, 

Thou all attracting pole, 
Thou ever-blest Redeemer, 

How charmest Thou the soul ! 

We all rejoice in Thee — 
Our Joy and Life enduring, 
Each blessing still procuring, 

Our only comfort be I 



HAPPY IN GOD'S LOVE. 

FROM THE GERMAN. 

I now have found that firm foundation, 
Which ever holds my anchor sure ; 

Where else but in the wounds of Jesus, 
Where ere the world it lay secure — 

The Rock, which stands unmoved and firm, 

W^hen Heaven and Earth to chaos turn ! 

It is that changeless, deep, compassion. 
Which far all human thought transcends; 

It is the love-fraught arms' extension 
Of Him who to the sinner bends — 

Whose heart doth o'er us wretches break, 

That we may not to Judgment 'wake ! 



130 HAPPY IX (JOn's LOVE. 

We are not, hopeless, doomed to perisb, 
God wills that we should help obtain ; 

'Twas hence the Son, on earth appearing, 
To heaven, at length, returned again — 

'Tis hence He knocks — knocks evermore 

So urgent at our hard heart's door! 

Well-spring! which, our sins o'erwhelming. 
Hath vanquished them thro' Jesus' death ; 

'Tis, thus, our wounds are healed securely, 
Here, now, is no condemning breath ; 

Since Jesus' bloodiest Sacrifice, 

Compassion, Lord ! unceasing cries ! 

Therein, believing, will I hide me, 
To Him my trembling soul confide ; 

And, when my num'rous sins afflict me, 
Anon, I'll hasten to His side — 

There is, till Time's last note shall sound. 

Compassion sweet, unceasing, found ! 

Though ev'rything from me be wrested, 
Which body can or soul revive — 

Though I no comfort here may cherish, 
And stript may seem of all but life — 

Though distant far deliv'rance be. 

Yet still compassion's left for me ! 

Should e'er this mortal life oppress me, 
And sorrows rise and sore distress, 

That I — by many a care distracted — 
My foolish thoughts must yet confess ; 

And should I hence be sorely tried. 

Still — in compassion I'll confide 1 



JESUS — THE SOURCE OF BLISS. 131 

Must I, in all my best endeavors, 

Whereby to serve my God I've sought, 

Much imperfection still discover, 

My boasting then, indeed, is naught: 

Yet shall this comfort still remain. 

Compassion gives me hope again ! 

May things but go His will according, 

With whom so much compassion is, 
May He Himself my heart replenish 

With grace, that it forget not this : 
Thus standeth it, in love and pain. 
While His compassion doth remain ! 

On this firm ground will I continue 

So long as Earth shall bear my feet; 
Thus will I think — thus do, and practice 

Until my heart shall cease to beat- 
Then will I sing, with bliss elate, 
Well-spring of compassion great ! 



JESUS— THE SOURCE OF BLISS. 



FROM THE GERMAN. 

The following is a version of one of the most touching of German 
Hymns. The translation is, upon the whole, a literal one. The ninth 
and tenth stanzas, however, it has been found nece-sary to change 
somewhat, and to extend them to five stanzas, in order fully to bring 
out the sense of the original. In all other respects, I have attempted 
to preserve both the form and spirit of the German original. 



Jesus, lo, my soul's sweet rest. 
And of Treasures far the best ! 
"All in all" art Thou to me. 
And forever "all" shalt be ! 



132 


JESUS — THE SOURCE OF BLISS. 




Are there those, to whom are dear 




Treasures, gold, possessions here ; 




Jesus, aud His precious blood 




Are to me than all more good ! 




When my foes in fierce array. 




Openly obstruct my way ; 




Jesus every fear doth quell, 




Conquers Satan, sin, and hell ! 




Am I sick — and none is near, 




Who my fainting soul can cheer ; 




Jesus — my physician— will 




Be in death my comfort still ! 




Am I wretched — steeped in care, 




(^f provision stript and bare ; 




Jesus timely aid affords, 




And my sinking frame supports ! 




Must I with a drooping heart, 




Friends forsake — my home depart ; 




Jesus my distress doth share, 




Strangely still protects me there ! 




Must I scorn endure and shame. 




Cast on God— and on his name ; 




Jesus gives me secret might. 




And his " shame" is my delight ! 




If in honey — strength and glee, 




And in sugar— sweetness be ; 




Jesus — richest source of bliss. 




Precious more, and sweeter is ! 




Sounds seraphic charm mine ear, 




Sweetest music oft I hear ; 



THY PEOPLE GREET. 133 


Jesus — name divinely sweet, 
Only can the charm complete ! 


Pleasing objects meet mine eye, 
Scene sublime with scene doth vie ; 1 
Jesus — Sharon's Rose divine, | 
Doth each radiant charm combine ! | 


Richest, rarest viands, here, 
Sweetest fruits my palate cheer ; 
Jesus — mystic "bread of life," 
Doth my sinking soul revive ! 


Frequent I my hand extend, 

Cheerful to embrace a friend : 

Jesus— friend of all the best, . , 

Makes alone supremely blest ! ^ 


Jesus — meat divine and drink, 

Spice of all I know or think ; ; 

Jesus — richest theme for praise, 

Sing my soul thro' endless days ! 


Jesus— source of Bliss to me, I 
Let me share a part in Thee ! .]! 
By Thy passion — by Thy blood, I 
Reconcile my soul to God ! ji; 


And in death — supremely good — I 
Jesus! may Thy precious blood, '1 
May Thy groans. Thy dying breath, • 
Be my strength— my Life in death ! ; 


THY PEOPLE GREET. 


Jesus, with assurance sweet, 
Graciously Thy people greet. 
When to worship Thee they meet, 
At Thy feet ! 



FROM FOHTY-NINK To FIFTY. 

Hail! Patrons, iiaii, 1 each i'kkcious cut divink — life, 

health, each joy, 
These, ox this New-year's morn, are wishes from yoir 

"Carrier hoy !" 

The old year's sudden death — the new year's birth I sing, 
And still the weekly "News,'' select, delicious bring — 
Through summer's sun, thro' winter's storm and dashing 

rains I came, 
When heat oppressed — when piercing winds did rack my 

tender frame. 
For all this toil, exposed to summer's burning sun. 

To winter's snowy drift — 
For all this toil, your Carrier, patrons, justly claims 

From you a New-year's (;ift ! 



We once could justly boast of 4 T 9, 

But Tempus now has stepp'd A f the 

The B Z year, 2 B Z, closed his Fs, 

B 4 a new year's O had time to rise. 

Of naught on earth R U allowed 2 say 

It brings no f, M -— ■— > ^^ ^ no D K ; 

Y, don't r C, stern fate B 4 U stands 

And waits 2 lay on U its I C S^- S^^ ? 

'Tis M T trash, 2 speak of bliss below 

When * * grow; dim and Life's N M T show 

This II looks quite 2 odd, U C, 

As coffee does when U R asked 2 T. 

But, Y, r ask, the O and * * M ^^ ? 

A few more , 2 answer U, Fll trace : 



FROM FORTY-XIXE TO FIFTY. 



135 



'Tis but 2 show that fools can cut a 

And E Z write some of M T trash, 

But N E Wit, 2 kindle pure delight, 

B 4 he writes, should first M — ^— ^the light. 



Wake up, my muse — in sweet and mellow verse, 
Such scenes as mark the present age rehearse ; 
Each age has some peculiar phase or side, 
Which serves the skilful artisan as guide ; 
May Wisdom's steady hand my pen direct 
To draw the deeds of men, and facts, correct ; 
And Thou, the source of every gift divine. 
Vouchsafe this grace — that I be wholly thine ! 

The rocking main — the rushing tide of life, 
l^nstayed by sin — by war, or bloody strife, 
By falsehood, cunning schemes, or low device, 
By noblest deeds, or tyrants' fall and rise — 
This rushing tide — this rolling sea sublime 
From ofiP God's book, the mystic scroll of time 
Has rolled, unfolded — is unfolding still 
Tn radiant lines, in gloom, Jehovah's will. 

What Moses in the Law — what Prophets spake. 
Apostles preached or Martyrs at the stake, 
Each grand event and every act minute. 
From petty squabble up to fierce dispute. 
All public woes, and tears in private shed 
By children, youths, and men of hoary head. 
The gath'ring storms, distress, and sweet repose, 
In Time's great book, the checkered page compose 

What stirring scenes with each revolving year 
On Life's broad bosom witnessed, disappear, 
Unknown, mysterious scenes of light and gloom. 
Yet each has limits fixed — a certain doom ; 



136 FROM FORTY-XIXE TO FIFTY. 

Thus, on Life's troubled sea, storm-tossed and dark, 
Unerring Wisdom guides our fragile bark ; 
Jehoyah reigns, and "makes the wrath of man" 
To praise Him — and unfold His wondrous plan. 

The mystic " time and times and half a time," 
Big with the fates of men — -with truths sublime, 
From age to age — the beacon light has stood 
To warn the wicked, and to cheer the good •, 
The facts — educed by each successive year, 
Have added light and made the sense more clear, 
Till now, in these our own eventful days, 
The WORD its brilliant light, in fact, displays. 

Time's rugged car, entrenched in fiery wheels. 

Moves on ; the earth,, 'neath vengeance stagg'ring, reels ; 

On every side the sound of war is heard. 

And wrath divine and judgments long deferred 5 

The nations quake — the troubled sea doth roar, 

And kingdoms fall, and tyrants reign no more ; 

These scenes in one bright flood of light combine 

To illustrate, and prove God's book divixe ! 

Lo ! in what strange confusion Earth appears. 
Some by ambition bound — some mad with fears ; 
Too long had brutal passions, unrestrained. 
Their course pursued — the world of comfort drained, 
Till from the wretched, cries for help arose 
To Him, who doth on earth each lot dispose ; 
Their piteous cry was heard, and from the Lord 
Avenging justice came — the fiery sword ! 

Imperial Rome from 'neath the gath'ring gloom, 
Astonished, heard her long appointed doom ; 
Her throne, baptised in seas of human gore, 
From oflP its base was hurled to rise no more. 



FROM FORTY-NINE TO FIFTY. 137 

On wings of light the startling news were spread, 
And joy filled many a heart, and some a dread ! 
Europa's chains, no more the mass appall, 
From off devoted necks the shackles fall ! 

But see, the vulgar crowd, released from chains, 
Within no proper bounds the mass remains ; 
For as the mountain torrents wildly bound 
Down dizzy steeps, and waste the country round. 
So the fierce passions, raging uncontrolled. 
In wasting torrents o'er the country rolled, 
Till from on high, armed with resistless will 
Jevohah spake His mighty : " Peace, be still !" 

Mysterious year — this year of "forty-nine," 
What brilliant deeds, what cruel wars are thine ! 
What multitudes of friends and home deprived, 
And numbers more in glory safe arrived. 
Many a child of parents both bereft. 
And widows poor to mourn their loss are left ; 
For these — when stript of every joy beside, 
Do Thou, God, in tender love provide ! 

But, lo ! amid these various scenes of strife, 
Triumphant reigns the blessed " Prince of Life," 
Depending on His arm, and near His side. 
Moves like a radiant cloud the Church, His "bride ;"' 
Redeemed from sin, His faithful band will know 
No bliss, but in His smile, while here below, 
And longing wait, in yonder sphere sublime, 
To sing His endless praise, thro' endless time ! 

How beauteous are their feet, who peace proclaim. 
And offer life and bliss in Jesus' name ; 
" Their paths are paths of peace" — at home, abroad. 
They prospering see the gracious work of God ! 



138 FOR A\ AT.RUM. 

Around spring tenaples up, and from thena rise 
Bright clouds of fragrant incense to the skies — 
And God, to whom are due all love and praise, 
Doth on His churches shed rich gifts of grace! 

Such are the ol)jects, such the work sublime, 
Which here do occupy the Christian's time. 
Blest work ! in which my Saviour took a part, 
To publish peace— to heal the broken heart! 
For this ray weekly messages are brought 
With truth divine, with every virtue fraught ; 
Without display I pass from door to door 
To please the rich and cheer the humble poor. 

This time, as ever, has my Xew-year's song 
Grown line by line until it's much too long; 
But blame me not — the song's at your control. 
Unless you choose, you need not read the whole 
For well I know, that what's rxwiijjxf; read, 
Like silly dreams, can but disturb the head. 
I'll drop the thing— submit the whole to you, 
And, parting, say to each, to all — Adiku! 



FOR AX A LB CM. 



The following six lines, signeil ]i. W. R.. were written by the Rev. E. 
W. Reinecke, D. D., on the blue leaf of an Album. On the opposite 
leaf was an anchor drawn, and in connection with it, the Scripture 
words: "Hope is the auclior of the Soul." Immediately below it 
were written the last eight lines signed d. y. h. 

" H01M-: IS THE AN'.'HOR OF THK SOUL." 

But when Time's billows wildly roll ; 
When thy frail bark is rudely tost 
By tempest high , and all seems lost ; 
Where is the rock on which to cast 
This anchor holding sure and fast? 

"The Rock of Affes." E W. R. 



1 WISH HER DREAM WERE TRUE 



139 



'•E. William R./' and *^ D.— Y.— H.," 

Of habits like, and like in age — 

Two sportive friends, both firm and true. 

Conjointly use this page of '^ blue," 

Prophetic — as the story goes — 

Of future bliss, of banished woes. 

Fit EMBLEM, as a friendly scroll, 

Of Hope — " the anchor of the soul." 



I WISH HER DREAM WERE TRUE ! 

A lady iriend dreamt that she was in a sick room where the Guar- 
dian was found. Presently the attending physician came in, and, 
casting his eyes around, fixed them intently upon the table on which 
some copies of the Guardian were lying, when, with great vehe- 
mence, he exclaimed : " My God, what can this mean ? The Guardian 
in every house I come to !" 

I wish her Dream were true — 
That in each cot and palace round. 
Were truly thus ''The Guardian" found. 
Ceaseless, in strains of sweetest sound, 

To breathe its tales of love ! 

I wish her Dream were true — 
That, gathered round the social hearth, 
In serious mood or playful mirth. 
The young— the brightest hopes of earth, 

The (iiuardian all might read! 



I wish her Dream were true — 
That, when this treach'rous sea of life. 
Arrayed in smiles, or fierce with strife, 
Allures to scenes with mischief rife. 

The Guardian then were near ! 



140 MODE!, AVOMEX. 


I wish her Dream were true — 


That, in this dreary world below, 


Where sadl}^ roam the high — the low, 


■ A refuge, when the rough winds blow, 


1 ■ The Guardian might afford ! 


1 I wish her Dream were true — 


i That, when the pilgrim sore is prest. 


i Care-worn and sad — by sin distrest. 


1 And grief sits nestling in the breast. 


1 The Guardian then might cheer! 


1 I wish her dream were true — 


' That when disease in open day 


: 1 Nor nightly doth its progress stay. 


;i And every earthly joy gives way. 


The Guardian's voice were near ! 


I wish her dream were true — 


i That, where physicians e'er are seen. 


j Were heard : '' My God, what can this mean, 


In every house and cot, I ween. 


The Guardian T must meet !" 


j MODEL WOMEN. 


1 With permission kindly given, 


1 Founded on decrees of heaven, 


1 Here a picture I submit — 


Sketch approved in Holy Writ : 


Where, as in a glass, are seen 


Wives divinely fair, I ween ; 


Women God doth well approve. 


Women mortals fain would love ! 



'HRTST APPEARING TO THE TWO MARYS. 141 

Chaste in conversation they, 
Fear their husbands and obey ; 
Whose adorning sure will not 
Outward be, and soon forgot ; 
Not apparel, rich and fair, 
Wear of gold or plait of hair. 

GentlExXEss beseemeth them 
Better far than gold or gem ; 
Ornament divinely fair, 
Time doth not its worth impair ; 
Exquisite — to grace the end. 
Love and meekness sweetly blend : 
Gems— tho' many prize them not. 
Precious in the sight of God ! 



CHRIST APPEARING TO THE TWO MARYS. 

Scarcely had the shades of night 

Yielded to the dawn of day, 
Ere the Marys came in sight 

Where the sleeping Saviour lay. 

Scenes of danger heeding not, 
At the grave they both appear. 

Anxious o'er the sacred spot 
Each to shed affection's tear. 

Suddenly a vision bright 

Stands before their ravished eyes : 

Gazing on the lovely sight, 

They do hear with sweet surprise : 

" Fear not, for I know ye seek 
Jesus, which was crucified, 



142 CHRIST APPEARIXa TO THK TWO MARVS 

He is risen — once the weak — 
See the place He occupied, 

" Quickly go — the story tell, 
He is risen from the dead ; 

Vanquished now the gates of hell, 
Death itself is captive led ! 

" Haste ye, lo ! the Lord has gone, 
Yonder in sweet Galilee, 

Where His mighty works were done, 
There shall ye the Saviour see I*' 

Quickly thence departing, they — 
Glad, to see their risen Lord, 

And the heav'nly voice obey — 
Bring to His disciples word. 

Cheerily they speed their " way" 
Fair as Eden's shady bow'rs 

Blest, in blessing others, they — 
Lo ! their path is decked with flow 



On their pleasing errand gone, 

Jesus meets them, saying : " Hail I'' 

Touching scene ! to sketch alone 
Pen alike and pencil fail ! 

Lowly bending at His feet, 
They their risen Lord adore ; 

Jesus kindly doth repeat. 

What the Angel spake before : 

" Go — my weeping brethren tell 
That they haste to Galilee — 

There, triumphant over hell. 

Me, their Saviour they shall see !" 



CAXTIQUE DU VETERAN. 



143 



O ! it was a precious time, 

Gracious were the words He spake ; 
Jesus seen — His form divine 

Did in them each joy awake ! 



C ANTIQUE DU VETERAN. 

KROM THE FREXCH. 

How long, how long, with fears distrest, 

Wilt Thou, thus low, behold me bro't ? 
How long, how long, with guilt opprest, 

Must I see me by Thee forgot ? 
(), why for ever, God severe — 

Away from me Thine eye dost turn ? 
Ah ! art Thou not a Father dear — 

The sweetest hopk of them that mourn ? 

By night — by day — I Thee implore, 

Appease my troubled heart in me ! 
Speak peace, God, my soul unto, 

Lord, no longer angry be ! 
O, deign my wretched heart to cheer, 

On me a gracious eye to turu ! 
Oh I Thou art e'er a Father dear — 

The sweetest hope of them that mourn ! 

Xow near the tomb — my body cold — 

Death seizes on my senses sure ; 
Lord, Thy pard'ning grace unfold 

Unto an "old man" sad and poor ! 
My soul doth hope in Christ, so near. 

With Him may I in heaven sojourn ; 
Lord, Thou art a Father dear— 

The sweetest hope of them that mourn 1 



I 



144 VISIT OF THE MA(;i. 

Blest he, that in the Lord doth die, 
His soul redeemed the Saviour by ; 

He sweetly rests from all his pains — 
From all his sorrows he released, 
From all his woes and labours eased, 

From all his foes and from his chains ; 
To Heaven his works do him succeed. 
When Christ will make him blest indeed ! 



IMPROMPTr OX WRITIXG A COMPOSITION. 

FOR .\. MTTLK (UKL. 

A composition good and long 

With not a single sentence wrong, 

In spite of cloudy morn or night 

I must, to please my teacher, write ; 

And if I might but choose my plan I 

And write one such as best I can ; 

But size, as well as form, defines 

My Master, thus : '' At least ten lines." 

It is too hard, but here they go — 

" Ten lines," and this is all I know ! 



VISIT OF THE MAGI. 

Guided by that mystic star. 
Ne'er by mortals seen before, 

Lo ! the Magi from afar 
Come the Saviour to adore ! 

Lowly bending o'er the spot 
i Where the infant Saviour lay. 

See them freely pouring out 

Treasures, while they praise and pray 



LINES ON FAITH. 



145 



So, whene'er the Saviour dear, 

Shadowed by that mystic star, 
In His precious grace is near. 

Hence to lure thy spirit far, 
May you, then, with sweet accord. 

As the Wise-men once before, 
Near in spirit to your Lord, 

Lowly bending, Him adore ! 



LINES ON FAITH. 

Faith !— 'Tis a precious gift, 
A leading grace I ween — 
The SUM of all we hope or seek. 
The SENSE of things not seen 1 

By IT, the ancient chiefs — 
The faithful and the true, 

When wearied by a thousand griefs 
And sorrows ever new — 
Each, leaning on this grace, 
A good report obtained ! 

And, when their life was fled apace. 
O'er death a triumph gained ! 



Thro' FAITH we understand 
That — Reason how shamed — 

Obedient each to God's command. 
The orbed worlds were framed. 
And hence 'tis truly said. 
That objects far and near 

Were not as by mechanics made 
Of things Avhich do appear ! 



146 LINES OX FAITH. 

By FAITH did Abel bring- 

A sacrifice approved — 
More precious than the gifts of Cain 

Who ne'er his Maker loved ; 

By which he likewise gained 

A witness fair and good, 
That HR a righteous man was found. 

With God in favor stood ! 

By FAITH was Enoch spared 
The cruel pangs of death — 

Translated by the (rod of grace, 
Nor yielding up his breath ; 
For he — and Oh ! how blest — 
Had, ere frona earth released, 

The cheering witness in his breast. 
His Maker that he pleased ! 

But when, of faith devoid, 
Proud- mortals here below 

Approach the God of Holiness, 
'Tis all an empty show ; 
For God, without this grace. 
We mortals cannot please, 

Since he, who comes to God, must feel 
God IS — a God of Peace ! 

By FAITH did Xoah — warned 
Of things not seen as yet. 

And moved by fear — prepare an ark 
And so the danger met ; 
By which, the wicked world 
Was doomed to endless shame, 

And HK an heir of righteousness 
By faith in (iod became ! 



UK CONTENT. 



147 



By FAITH, when he was called, 
Did Abraham depart — 

And so the voice of God obeyed 
The man of pious hearts- 
Scarce knowing where to go, 
Yet ceased not to believe 

That HE the bright inheritance 
Should afterward receive ! 

By FAITH sojourning lone, 
The country he surveyed — 

There dwelt a stranger with his son, 
The heir of Promise made 5 
For he a city sought 
With basis firm and broad, 

Whose BUiT.DER is the Sov'reign Lord, 
The ever-living God ! 

Faith ! — 'Tis a precious gift, 
A leading grace I ween — 
The SUM of all we hope or seek 
The SENSE of things not seen ! 



BE CONTENT. 



Things are transient here below, 
Joys incessant come and go, 
Pleasures here are all we know, 

Mixed with woe ! 



Still each season kindly brings 
With its bitter, sweetest things. 
Many a bird with drooping wings, 

Sweetly sings ! 



148 LINES FOR T.IZZIK. 

(Uad the limpid M-aters flow- 
In their channels meek and low. 
Xor a plaintive feeling show 

As they go ! 

iSo, too, speak in notes of love 
Voices from the field and grove, 
And the starry hosts above 
! As thev rove 



LTNES FOR LIZZIE. 

OxE, me-thinks — of tender age, 
Glancing o'er this printed page, 
Will discern a promise here, 
Hasty made and yet sincere, 
Now, tho' somewhat after time, 
Cleverly discharged in rhyme. 

And, as I do chiefly write 
For this little merry sprite. 
She will surely here discern 
And a lesson meekly learn — 
Learn how freely Jesus loves. 
And each humble son! approves I 

He, by Angel-bands on high 
Praised beyond the vaulted sky, 
In Himself supremely bless'd, 
And of every joy possessed- 
Leaves the shining seats above 
And descends on wings of love ! 

When on earth he lived and moved, 
Christ " the little children" loved— 



TO MY WIFE. 



149 



Did the tender lambs embrace 
And on them bestow His grace : 
Now He pleads for them above, 
High in yonder world of love ! 

Like the Saviour, mild and meek, 
Children should His blessing seek, 
Love their little playmates dear 
And each sinful action fear ; 
Jesus will their Helper prove, 
Full of mercy — full of love ! 

Cheerful, loving, brisk and gay, 
Children should devoutly pray — 
Bend the knee, and lift the eye 
Up to Him who rules on high ; 
Thus in humble faith adore 
( 'hrist who loves us evermore ! 



TO MY WIFE. 



Fairest of the fair on earth. 
Noble in thy mien and birth, 
Child of deep and tender love, 
Partner of the pure above — 
In thy meek and placid face, 
True affection I can trace — 
Of the dear and precious few, 
Dearest to my heart are you ! 

When my soul in sadness wails, 
And each fond affection fails ; 
When the sky looks dark and drear, 
And no star doth there appear ; 



150 THEY ALL SAY SO. 

Then I gaze on thee and know 
One is faithful here below — 
Of the dear and precious few, 
Dearest to my heart are you I 

Joined in bonds of purest love^ 
By the Lord who reigns above, . 
We are one in heart and soul, 
And submit to His control — 
With me thou dost tread the road 
Which conducts us up to God — 
Of the dear and precious few, 
Dearest to my heart are you I 



THEY ALL SAY SO! 

I saw a little infant blest. 

All innocence and glee, 
Reclining on its mother's breast, 

Sit on its mother's knee, 
And on that little infant's face 

I read the sentence plain : 
The burthen of this mortal life 

Is — sorrow, grief, and pain ! 



I saw a child of riper years, !| 

More sportive still than this, ij 

And in its little eyes there beamed 

An over-flowing bliss ; 
Yet ever and anon it spake 

In simple, childlike strain : 
The burthen of this mortal life 

Is — sorrow, grief and pain ! 



THEY ALL SAY SO. 



151 



I saw a youth of finest form, 

With spirits strong and high, 
Life seemed to him a pleasant dream, 

A constant flow of joy ; 
But on his manly brow I traced 

The mark of sin's domain : 
The burthen of this mortal life 

Is — sorrow, grief, and pain ! 

I saw a yet more lovely maid, 

With blushing cheeks and fair, 
Her eye was full of tend'rest love, 

Her heart as light as air 5 
Yet she — the sweet and lovely maid 

Could not the sigh restrain : 
The burthen of this mortal life 

Is — sorrow, grief, and pain I 

I saw a man of riper age. 

Full thirty years and ten. 
Whose visage fair and noble mien 

Gave vigor to my pen ; 
Yet as I wrote him "happy" down. 

He cried — in sad refrain : 
The burthen of this mortal life 

Is — sorrow, grief, and pain I 



I saw an aged pilgrim now, 

With silv'ry locks and gray, 
And heard him, leaning on his staff. 

With deep emotion say : 
" Lo ! infancy and childhood fair, 

And youth and age complain : 
The burthen of this mortal life 

Is — sorrow, grief, and pain !" 



DKDK^'VTION FOR AN ALBUM. 

This "Album" is a "garden-plot" — where love 

Doth nourish plants descended from above, 

Where flow'rets, decked with beauty and with grace, 

A genial soil may find— a welcome place ; 

Where ev'ry virtue thrives and vice disarms ; 

Where sinless love displays its sweetest charms ; 

Where innocence and beauty may combine 

A fadeless "wreath" for Frikn'dship's brow to twine ! 

Come, Patrons, write upon this snowy sheet, 
Tn verse or prose, some lines with love replete ; 
And let this "Album," tho' not wholly "white," 
Betray no hateful tho't in what you write ; 
'Tis Friendship's Album called, and should be pure 
As gold in furnace tried ; nor ever 'lure 
The unwary feet and guileless heart of youth 
Save to the sparkling fount of love and truth ! 



WELrOME TO MY REDEEMER. 

ADVENT HYMN. 

" Welcome, welcome, dear Redeemer, 

Welcome to this heart of mine ;" 
Be Thou mine and mine forever, 
And ray soul forever Thine — 
Thine, Saviour, 
Thine forever, 
Be this ransomed heart of mine ! 



THE AX(;ET,-GREETIX(J. 153 

'' Welcome, welcome, dear Redeemer, 

Welcome to this heart of mine ;" 
Be my life, my light, and glory. 
Let Thy light within me shine — 
Light of heaven, 
Kindly given. 
Shine, within ray bosom, shine ! 

" Welcome, welcome, dear Redeemer, 

Welcome to this heart of mine ;" 
Take, take me, Lord, forever, 
Thine I am and only Thine — 
None shall ever, 
'Tween us sever, 
I am Thine and Thou art mine ! 



MINISTERS OF CHRIST. 

0, for the Heroes, firm and strong, 

To preach God's word, divinely called, 
Endued with power to dare the wrong. 

Nor by men's blustering threats appalled ; 
With tongues of fire and hearts of love. 

May they proclaim Thy saving Word, 
And, kindly aided from above, 

May sinners bow before Thee, Lord ! 



THE ANGEL-GREETING. 

The sky was bathed in lovliest hues. 

And moon and stars were sweetly mute, 
And whisp'rings, soft as sounds of lute, 

Came, mingling with the falling dews — 



154 new-year's address. 

An Angel, from that brilliant zone^ 
In glory swept athwart the plain : 

And radiant hosts their Chief did own, 
And, rapt, broke forth in sweetest strain. 

Exultant shouting — as they sang — 

" To God Most High be glory given" — 
" And peace on earth, good-will to men,' 

Responsive, still the chorus rang ! 



\KW-YEAR'S ADDRESS. 

I come, your faithful Carrier-boy, once more, 

My Patrons, on this New-year's morn, to greet ; 
I wish you, now, as I have done before. 

Much joy — a long, long life with bliss replete : 
I wish you health, and pious friends and kind. 

Whate'er of good, or Time or Earth can give — 
I wish you peace with God — a Saviour's mind, 

And with Him, in His peerless joy, to live ! 



The Law of Carrier-boys — 'tis said by men — 
Compels them, once a year, to use their pen ; 
The Rule is wise, and serves a purpose high, 
It gives a chance their growing strength to try. 
'Tis true, great dangers also meet the young. 
And pit-falls lie the shining path along — 
The MEEK, the rose-bud opens to adorn, 
But warns th' aspiring, to beware the thorn ! 

I know it — 'Tis ambition's pow'r that sways 
The fickle world with all its foolish ways 5 
Each in his turn doth painted honors seek, 
Th' aspiring proud, and e'en the seeming meek ; 



XEW-YEAR S ADDRESS. 



155 



The humblest often craves a wreath of fame, 
And on the solid rock inscribes his name ; 
Each recent fashion, style, or mode of life, 
All are but forms with rank ambition rife ! 

Such is the world — Its virtues idle seem, 
And all its boasted works are but a dream. 
The deeds of men, thus, wear a double face, 
In form attractive, but in essence base ; 
But o'er this vain and fleeting world there is, 
What shall we say ? a scene of perfect bliss ; 
And all my weekly rounds, and anxious care, 
But for this highest good — incite — prepare ! 

What have I brought you in each weekly call ? 
What messages alike for each — for all ? — 
Was not the burden of my song, each week. 
Repent of sin — your loving Saviour seek? 
Did not each sheet, I carried to your door, 
Contain some comfort for the humble poor? 
And was not, also, for the haughty there 
A word of warning to arouse his fear? 

1 know full well, my efforts are but weak, 
And imperfection, in each line, bespeak ; 
I fear not to confess this common shame, 
Or ask forgiveness in a Saviour's name ; 
'Tis better far to learn our follies here. 
And o'er them shed the penitential tear, 
Than hide our sin, and in our blindness boast, 
Till, in the final wreck, our souls be lost ! 

With thoughts like these impressed, I came 
A " Messenger" of peace ; and, in God's name, 
Did warn the wicked of his ways perverse. 
And, in his ears, the coming doom rehearse ; 



156 new-year's address. 

The HUMBLE I did cheer: and, when afraid, 
A soothing balm upon his heart I laid ; 
Pointed poor sinners to the " Lamb of God," 
AVith hopes of pardon in atoning blood ! 

Still more— I led the blind in Virtue's way, 
And gave directions how to praise and pray: 
To read (Jod's holy AVord with profit— how 
The soul must to its precepts humbly bow : 
I warned, against delusions, young and old, 
And how these nets to shun I often told ; 
No single law or precept, that T knew, 
For want of forethought left I out of view ! 

How often, on some wintry eve, I've taught 
Sweet truth, by parents and by children sought ! 
The blithesome group around the table sat. 
And read — the one loved this, the other that. 
For each one, thus, a little crumb I brought. 
And each his own by far the sweetest thought ; 
Then, at the close, they read the sacred Word, 
Around the Altar knelt, and blessed the Lord ! 

" Amen" - so each one, with the father, said, 
And then arose, and hastened off to bed ; 
The night gave rest — 'twas not too short nor long. 
The weary limbs relaxed, and then grew strong : 
The spirit — calm, confiding in its Ood — 
Beneath His shadow found a safe abode ; 
And o'er the bed, and 'round it angels stood, 
From ill defending, and bestowing good ! 

When, by and by, the morn began to dawn, 
Ere Sol's bright rays had kissed the dewy lawn, 
Refreshed and quickened by their sweet repose. 
They all, from oldest down to youngest, 'rose : 



LOVE AND HATE. 157 

And, trained most fitly by parental care, 
Each offered up its simple morning pray'r; 
Then, cheerful, each unto his labor sped, 
And ceaseless wrought until the day was fled I 

I may not claim, as many seem to claim. 
Some special praise, or honors to my name ; 
Yet, as a " Messenger" from God, I brought 
A pious mind, and so these wonders wrought: 
For, love to God, and love to man, I ween. 
As factors, in each pious work, are seen ; 
And "godliness" secures, as taught by some, 
The present life, and that which is to come I 

Of praise so far as this is due to men — 
I claim, and justly claim a portion then. 
My weekly calls, I made from door to door. 
The rich I pleased — I cheered the humble poor, 
And all my labors, done in purest love, 
Sought, first of all, to fix the heart above •, 
And, now, with each one's highest good in view, 
T bid you, patrons, all a kind Adieu! 



LOVE AND HATE. 

Two sprightly lasses, young and gay, 
Met oftentimes to frisk and play, 
And just as often as they met. 
The one of them got in a pet — 
Sweet Amie always kept so cool, 
That Spitie called her ape and fool j 

She bore the insult, meek and kind, 
And quarrels Spitie could not find ; 



158 SOMETHING FOR CHILDREN, 

One day sweet Amie said of Love 
That it descended from above, 
And Spitie said : my Hate, I know, 
Hails from the regions dark below. 

At this confession Amie smiled, 
But Spitie saw her and reviled ! 
The little creature, meek and mild. 
Said, kindly chiding, " hush my child.' 
The visage grim of Spitie grew 
Pale, at this word, and red and blue. 

Poor Amie feared or fist or palm, 
Yet, conscious of her right, was calm ; 
And Spitie, seeing Love so strong, 
Confessed to Amie all her wrong ; 
Their hearts — cemented into one — 
Bore witness of this wonder done ! 

Now oft the lasses, young and gay, 
Meet LOVINGLY to frisk and play. 
And so the story — they relate — 
Shows Love superior far to Hate; 
The peerless virtue from above. 
Triumphant over Hate, is — Love I 



SOMETHING FOR CHILDREN. 

The little folks, so bright and gay. 

Who read the " Helper," sing, and pray, 

Are children truly wise ; 
If, as they read, and sing, and pray. 
They also walk in Wisdom's way. 

Conducting to the skies ! 



OUR SAINTED LOVED ONES. 159 

The " Helper" gently moves the heart, 
From sin, and death, and hell to part. 

And seek its home above 5 
ft drives away the shades of night, 
And kindles there a sacred light — 

The light of life and love! 

And little folks, so richly blest. 
With means of sacred joy and rest, 

Are children blest indeed ; 
They live a life of peace below, 
Nor bitter tears above shall know, 

Nor any painful need ! 

Then, children, come — all bright and gay, 
Come read the '' Helper," sing, and pray, 

Be children truly wise; 
And, as you read, and sing, and pray, 
Walk briskly on in Wisdom's way. 

Still upward to the skies ! 



OUR SAINTED LOVED ONES. 

FOR MR. AND MRS. W. B. B, 

'Twas quiet on that eve of fate. 
When, thoughtful, sat we, and sedate ; 
And, then, a tap — strong tapping at the door. 
That knock, we tho't, tho' strange, was heard before, 
But louder, now, it seemed, and cruel more ; 
And each one felt a painful thrill 
Yet, stricken, we were still — were still ! 



160 OUR SAINTED LOVKD ONES. 

Time passed, and cheeks, once rosy-bright, 
Were strangely dimpled now with white ; 
But, then, in sweet and tender notes we heard 
That strangely soothing, soft, and magic word, 
The blessed, soothing word of Christ — the Lord ; 
And, then, we bowed, in silence bowed, 
And to our Lord submission vowed I 

Again we heard a whisp'ring sweet. 
For angel tongues and voices meet ; 
And far away, in that bright spirit-land, 
There, happy, stood the twain with angel-band ; 
And, then, in triumph each one waved the hand ; 
And, thus, we knew — knew what it meant, 
Removed were they whom God had lent! 

And often, now, as venturous fancy paints 
The joys supreme of rescued saints, 
We seem, in rapt'rous notes again to hear 
Sweet voices, gently, softly, strike the ear ; 
And so the charming song continues near. 
Still floating — quiv'ring on the air. 
In measured accents, sweet and fair ! 

And, 0, how soon that call shall come. 
Which welcomes all to yon sweet home ! 
When, joyous, we, with all the sainted dead. 
Shall, rescued, stand before the bar so dread, 
And, clothed in Christ, the Church's living Head, 
Be joined with saints of fair renown, 
And, with them, wear th' immortal crown ! 

What glorious prospects, fair and bright, 

Await us in that world of light I 
The blessed saints, from all their failings free, 
Shall there, enrapt, the King of glory see ; 



THE SERVANTS OF CHRIST. 

And, then, in Him exulting, bend the knee, 
And, so, with hosts of angels bright. 
Shall bask in seas of living light I 



161 



THE GOOD MAN'S LIFE. 

The good man dies, indeed, but leaves behind 
The strong, sweet savor of a holy life 5 

His earnest faith, and love, and labors find 
A mellow soil with vital forces rife ; 

Where ownward, even to the latest hour, 

They live to work in secret, silent, power 1 



THE SERVANTS OF CHRIST. 

And who are they that claim to be 
Commissioned from above, 

To preach alike to bond and free 
God's sweet and boundless love ? 

Heralds of Christ, in mercy sent 

Glad tidings to proclaim— 
Th' unrighteous urging to repent 

And trust in Jesus' name : 
While, to the penitent, they speak 

Sweet words of pardon— peace ; 
And kindly urge them all to seek 

From sin a full release I 

O, what a wondrous work is theirs, 
Their calling— how high I 

Of life, in Christ, to make men heirs, 
Proclaim salvation nigh ; 



162 LINES OX THE FABLE OF THE RAIN DROPS. 

The words of peace to mourners speak, 
To comfort the distrest — 

To proflPer healing to the sick, 
And to the weary — rest ! 

Then, when their kindly work is done, 
They lay their armor down, 

And, mounting to the exalted throne, 
Receive th' immortal crown I 



LINES ON THE FABLE OF THE RAIN DROPS. 

FIRST VERSION. 

Just as the little rain-drops 

Came patt'ring on the ground, 
To cheer the saddened farmer, 

Whom in the field they found • 
Uniting all their forces, 

And hastening down below. 
The arid soil was moistened, 

The corn was made to grow. 

So, too, should little children, 

In pity and in love — 
Like gentle rain distilling 

Rich blessings from above — 
Unite their kindly off'rings, 

Their efforts evermore, 
And shower daily blessings 

Upon the humble poor. 

SECOND VERSION. 

Just as the rain-drops and the dew 
Rejoiced the farmer — cheered his soil ; 



THY WILL BE DONE. 163 

So should the little children, too, 

Make glad the poor— relieve their toil I 

Each one alone not much can give. 

But, if ONE gives, then others will ; 
And so they can the poor relieve, 

As many waters turn the mill! 

Each little gift — a dime, a cent. 

Will of the treasure make a part ; 
And trifles, thus, in mercy lent, ' 

Will greatly bless and cheer the heart ! 



"THY WILL BE DONE." 

When stern affliction's hand is laid 

LTpon this frame of mine, 
And woes, in deepest gloom arrayed, 

Against me thus combine — 
Then, Father, to Thy throne on high 
In faith I lift my tearful eye. 

And say : Thy will be done ! 

When o'er me comes disaster bleak, 
And riches take them wings — 

Fly swift away as lightning streak, 
And grief each moment brings — 

Then, my God, to Thee I look, 

Thus bravely each misfortune brook. 
And say : Thy will be done ! 

When foes in mighty mass combine. 
And friends grow faint and few — 

When every tort'ring pain is mine, 
And tears mine eyes bedew — 



164 THY WILL BE DONE. 

Then, Father, to Thy hand benign. 
Composed, do I myself resign, 
And say : Thy will be done ! 

When silent grief my bosom heaves, 
* My heart with anguish wrung — 
When sorrow not a moment leaves 

The trembling nerves unstrung — 
Then, my God, still fost'ring me, 
1 lift my burthened soul to Thee, 

And say : Thy will be done ! 

When weary with the cares of life, 
By constant woe pressed down — 

When each blest day, with sorrow rife. 
Brings me a thorny crown — 

Then, Father, in Thy wise decree 

Assured, I lift my soul to Thee, 
And say : Thy will be done I 

When prostrate on my couch I lie. 
And hope my breast forsakes - 

When languid grows my fixed eye, 
And life of gloom partakes — 

Then, Saviour, in Thy purple tide 

Still calmly shall my soul confide, 
And say : Thy will be done ! 

When death, at length, with sable wing 
Spreads darkness o'er my soul — 

When love nor friendship aid can bring. 
Nor skill the tide control — 

Then, Father, by the Spirit's breath, 

^Sustained, I triumph e'en in death. 
And say : Thy will be done I 



ALLES 1ST EITEL— EIN TRAUM. 

In einer Nacht, gar heiss und schwuel, 

Lag ich auf meinem Bette, 
Mein Herz war voll von Schwergefuehl, 

Mein Geist in einer Kette, 
Da traeumte mir, ich reiste bin 

Wo frueher ich mal wohnte. 
Besuchte meiner Freunde viel, 

Und treu' mit treu' belohnte. 

Da schien's als ob sie gaeben mir 

Sehr herrliche Geschenke ; 
Der eine bringt Goldrauenzen viel 

Und legt sie mir in Haende ; 
Der iand're bringt mir Kleidstueck' dar 

Mit grosser Much' bereitet ; 
Eiu dritter macht den Weg mir klar, 

Mich hie und da begleitet. 

So ging's — ich fuehlte mich beglueckt, 

Weil Freunde viel mirdieuten; 
Doch, ach ! — ich wurde fast verrueckt, 

Der Stolz blieb nichtdahinten 5 
Mein Herr, der alles sieht und weiss, 

vSah meine schlimrae Lage 5 
Und hoerte nun, zwar sanft und leis, 

Auch meine bitt're Klage. 



166 ALLES 1ST EITKL E!\ TRAUM. 

Da lies Er, auf dem sclioenen Weg, 

Mich viele Lent' begleiten, 
Und, so, durch einen, im Gespraech, 

Mir Licht und Heil bereiten : 
Der sprach, als ich ihm nahe war, 

Zu einem auf der Strasse ; 
" Wir brachten ihm sehr vieles dar, 

Hat Schuld in gleichem Masse." 

" So" — dachte ich in raeinera Traum, 

'' So geht's bei solchen Leuten ; 
Sie geben zwar, doch geben kauiu, 

So sucht man schon die beuten." 
Xnn sah ich um — erblueckte da 

Ein Wunder-strom entquellen, 
Und, in demselben, grosse Schaar 

Der Fische schoen — Forellen ! 

" Nun fang ich die," so dachte ich, 

" Und habe Freud die Fuelle ;" 
Dann, eilends Wuermer suchte ich 

Am Strom in aller stille ; 
Und als ich war voll Koth and dreck, 

Wie man die Fischer findet, 
So geht mir auch mein Schlaf hinweg, 

Mein schoener Traum verschwindet ! 

Nun sah ich in dem Traum ein Bild 

Der Menschen Gunst und Liebe : 
Die Leute geben frei und mild 

Aus scheinbar reinem Triebe ; 
Doch ist's, wenn man dahinter koemmt, 

Xur Tand und eitle Sache, 
Die sprache, die vom Munde stroemt, 

Its voll von Trug und Rache ! 



INSCRIPTIOX. 167 

Und suclit man, wie im schoenen Sti'om, 

Die Freude in der Stille, 
Und deukt, da gibt es doch gewiss 

Ein Glueck nach Wunsch und Wille, 
So findet man das Finesse schoen 

Das Glueck zwar in uns wecken, 
Doch, eh' wir es errungen seh'n, 

Bleibt man im Kothe stecken ! 

0, gluecklich sind — die nur allein 

Auf Gott, nicht Menschen, trauen, 
Die, in des Lebens Freud und Pein, 

Auf Gottes Grade bauen — 
Hier findet keine Taeuschung statt, 

Bewaehrt ist Glueck und Wonne, 
Hier bleibt was man gehoffet hat, 

Gott selbst ist " Schild und Sonne." 



THE HOME ABOVE. 

« 
There is for weary souls a Home, 

A rest from all their toils and cares 5 
A House whence saints no more shall roam, 

A place wherein each pilgrim shares ; 
To this dear ''home" — this rest above — 
Are ofathered all the sons of love ! 



INSCRIPTION. 

FIRST FORM. 



Little Pilgrim, thou art sleeping 
Softly sleeping in the ground ; 

Angels o'er thee vigils keeping, 
Vigils keeping all around — 



168 ON LOSING A CHECK SKNT BY MATI> 

Gently, sweetly, thus reposing, 
All thy weary waud'rings o'er, 

Hail we thee — " Asleep in Jesus"— 
Happy, happy — evermore I 

SECOND FORM. 

Little Pilgrim, thou art sleeping, 

Softly sleeping 'neath the sod ; 
Angels o'er thee vigils keeping. 

Vigils keeping near thy God — 
Safely, sweetly now reposing, 

All thy weary wand'rings o'er. 
Hail we thee — '^ Asleep in Jesus"— 

Hail thee happy evermore ! 



ON LOSING A CHECK SENT BY MAIL. 

TO REV. M. A. S. 

Dear Sir — I share your present grief, 
And fain would send you kind relief. 
With many a heart-felt wish, that you 
May, undisturbed, your course pursue. 

Enclosed, please find another " scrip," 
May IT not, likewise, give the slip ; 
But serve to pay the honest ''tax," 
Et tibi, nunc, sit magna pax ! 

Ich schreib in Englisch und Latein, 
Deweil du bist ein " scholar" fein, 
Und kannst gewiss auch schaetzen das 
Was ich dir schreib in lauter Spass. 

Here goes my letter with its scrip, 
For which I crave a pleasant trip ; 



ALIEXATIOX OF MY SIGNATURE. 169 

Do thou, Dear Sir, the message hail, 
And pay the •' custom" without fail ! 



LINES FOR AN AUTOGRAPH ALBUM, 

These " Autographs" be pure and bright, 
And free from what is low and vile ; 

Be sure that what you here do write 
May not the spotless page defile ! 

Here Friends should gather flow'rets sweet, 
To shed their fragrance o'er the page. 

And each contribute, what is meet. 
To foster love from age to age ! 

Then write with prudence and with taste, 
Lest Virtue weep and Scorners laugh ; 

May, always, what is pure and chaste 
Distinctly mark each Autograph ! 



ALIENATION OF MY SIGNATURE. 

Do, Sir, Editor, please take note, 
That one, from baseness tho' remote, 
Employs of late a subscript name 
Which I by right of usage claim. 
The guardian of my rights are you, 
Then to your trust be firm and true ; 
Rebuke the act, in language strong, 
And sav^ me, thus, from further wrong. 
The guilty one, please, gently tap, 
Or sternly o'er the knuckles rap ; 



[j 

1 170 THE KATYnin. 


Thus may you what is past amend, 


And to my faith yourself commend. 


The subject, now, I leave with you, 


Assured you will be firm and true, 


And do me justice in the case^ 


Despite the noble or the base ! 


TO THE OFFENDER, 


And, now, I turn to you, 


Sir master of the quill ; 


I claim my honest due, 


Respect my wish and will. 


There's sure no letter dearth, 


In choice youVe ample room ; 


Why then, in name of earth. 


Purloin my " Nom de Plume." 


(^f twenty points and six 


Select your needed three, 


Rut leave me still affix 


My own dear " X— Y— Z." 


THE KATYDID. 


'Tis often harder than you think- 


To locate Nature's ev'ry link- 


E'en this wee thing of rustic suit 


Has gendered many a fierce dispute ; 


For, while some few, self-rated high. 


Repute the insect flat as pie. 


Some others, with far keener wit, 


^' Concavum" call my — Katydid ! 


This settled, we may now unite 


To magnify this little sprite, 


It seldom sings in June or May, 


And night prefers to sunny day ; 



THE KATYDID. 



171 



The male alone in song excells, 
Nor he nor she the reason tells, 
And ask you. who the secret hid, 
Sweet Echo answers — Katydid ! 

Thus things are oft eccentric found, 
And Nature's law is shifted round, 
For, here, unlike in grades above, 
The Beau sings to his Lady-love ; 
And tho' he sings this plaintive air 
^' Who loved me ? ' to his maiden fair. 
She — roguishly in ambush hid — 
Respondeth not Miss — Katydid ! 

Ye little creatures serve to show 
The habits current here below. 
And foibles, even, strange and new, 
In higher natures brought to view ; 
vSo — of mankind the coy and fair 
With this sly imp may we compare ; 
For, oft some blushing maid hath hid, 
This likewise did, my — Katydid ! 

When Summer, with its swelt'ring heat. 
Gives way to Autumn, sober, sweet, 
And days grow short, and ev'nings long, 
Then hear we oft their plaintive song, 
As sings the disappointed maid 
When by her faithless beau betrayed ; 
But what the maids in beaus have chid, 
That same did she, my — Katydid ! 

And, now. what tribute shall we bring. 
To this dear, pretty, little thing ? 
So quaint and odd in every way. 
It sings at night, and rests by day ; 



172 PEARL OF THE PARK. 

So modest, in its suit of green, 
Thro' all the week the thing is seen ; 
'Twere well if all of pride were rid, 
And dressed and lived as — Katydid ! 



"PEARL OF THE PARK/' 

There is a Place, enshrined in living green, 

And fairer aught the eye hath seldom seen, 

A charming spot — it matters not just where 

The fairy scene is found ; but, surely there 

The heart, elate, with forms of beauty charmed, 

fn pleasures rev'ling, yet is left unharmed. 

The stately pine, in fadeless verdure drest, 

Uplifting, waves aloft its beauteous crest; 

Beneath its spreading limbs and cooling shade 

The laurel thrives, in emerald suit arrayed. 

With blooming chaplet crowned of richest hue. 

And fraught with pleasures rare for me and you. 

'Mid tangled vines, and creepers wild and bare. 

Luxuriant, green, and decked with flow'rets fair, 

The fragrant spice-wood grows, of eld renowned, 

In regal style with scarlet berries crowned ; 

And 'neath the whole, and 'mid the mantling green, 

The laughing brooks and sparkling rills are seen 5 

And, nimbly dancing thro' the wilds profound, 

Display their sweetest charms — shed music round. 

Low, on the humid earth a humbler train 

Of gorgeous mosses and of lichens plain: 

The sweet arbutus, trailing on the ground, 

And winter-green, so fragrant, there are found ; 

In thickets dank, the curious eye discerns 

A train of modest, yet majestic ferns. 

And there in festoons swung on tow'ring trees, 



PEARL OK THE PARK. ITH I 

i 

The grape vines, clust'ring round, one often sees ; j 

There, too, the hazel, with its tasseled host, 

Grows lank and tall, the marsh's pride and boast ; 

The fragrant birch, its bark with sweetness rife. 

Oft tempts a peeling from the youngster's knife, 

Who, whittling, doth God's fairest works deface, I 

And, thus, in shame involves our boasting race ! j 

Amid the dazzling scenes of trees and vines, i 

An emerald hedge a fountain pure enshrines ; j 

The grateful shade, within that cool retreat, 

The trav'ler tempts to rest his weary feet ; 

And, gazing on the limpid streamlets there, 

With eyes still doting on each scene so fair, i 

Athirst, well-pleased he dips the waters up, j 

And to his lips conveys the sparkling cup. ; 

All o'er the woods; and in the forest round, j 

The wild birds sing, and noblest game is found. j 

On loftiest pines the wary gobbler sleeps, i 

Or, waking, o'er his charge strict vigil keeps : i 

The timid partridge, erstwhile pheasant named, ! 

Flies whirring past, and foils the gunner famed ; 

The speckled trout— so exquisitely fair — 

Sports in the purling brook, wn'th antics rare. 

Or, in some sheltered nook, doth coyly lie 

Th' unwary bug to snatch, or moth, or fly ; 

Rare birds— of plumage fair, and golden wing. 

Their sweet and charming songs incessant sing. 

'Tis, there, unharmed in that sequestered spot. 

That weeping ones have oft their woes forgot ; 

'Tis, there, remote from earth's incessant toil, 

The wounded spirit finds a soothing oil — 

'Mid scenes so fair, they roam serene and calm. 

And find in Nature's stores the healing balm ! 

How often, too, have I strayed, musing, there. 

And solace found when vexed with tort'rino- care. 



174 PEARL OF THE PARK. 

Sweet, sacred spot, entranced I think of thee, 
And, ruminant in thought, thy beauties see ! 
There, too, the young, with spirits light and gay, 
In pleasant converse oft have spent the day ; 
Around the trees, and 'neath their foliage green. 
In playful groups arranged, they oft are seen ; 
And motly crowds, from scattered hamlets round, 
In rural sports engaged — are likewise found. 
Both old and young in friendly concourse met, 
Are happier made, and all their cares forget ! 
But, chiefly, gathered round the crystal spring, 
In cheerful mood, they frisk, and play, and sing ; 
Their clarion voices ring the trees among, 
And rocks and hills reverberate the song. 
Then, weary and athirst, they haste to greet 
The sparkling fount, and quaff its waters sweet; 
The cooling draft revives their spirits faint. 
Imparts new life, and hinders all complaint. 
Sweet sparkling fount ! how rich thy dolings are, . 
Of sylvan gifts the best — the richest far! 
For ALL things, that, while wand'ring here below, 
Men, in their wildest dreams, or think or know, 
Are little prized, and of but small account, 
When, thirsty, they espy the sparkling fount ; 
The echoing woods with shouts of triumph ring, 
And, hastening, each one greets the crystal spring ! 
What pleasant things are said of thee, sweet spot. 
May, in the world's confusion, be forgot, 
But raem'ry still the impress deep enshrines, 
And, as itj^ rarest treasure, there confines. 
What generous heart can e'er forget the spell 
That binds the spirit to that forest dell ? 
The purling brooks and "thousand" springlets clear. 
And shaded groves and lone retreats, so dear — 
The floral wreaths and crowns of living green. 



THE WHIP-POOR-WILL. 



175 



And nameless beauties, all, which there arc seen ; 
These all, and each in its peculiar sphere, 
Entrance the soul, and make the spot more dear ; 
And, so, these charming sights and beauties rare. 
In brilliant plots arranged, all bright and fair, 
Invest the place with special sense, I ween. 
And fix in changeless souls this forest scene ! 



THE WHIP-POOR-WILL. 



Sweet bird of Song, or scold, or both, 
Which to decide I'm somewhat loath ; 
For, tho' thy presence welcome be. 
And thy sweet song is full of glee, 
Yet, something in that song, ray lord. 
Doth not with mercy well accord ; 
For, sing you on the plain or hill, 
You cease not calling— ''Whip-poor-will." 

Sweet bird of Song ! In early Spring, 

We hear thy voice around us ring, 

And here and there on stump or stone, 

Thou sweetly singest all alone ; 

And, hence, thy song I much admire. 

So full of vim — so full of fire ; 

To one thing though object I will. 

Thy loveless shouting— ''Whip-poor-will.'' 

Sweet bird of Song ! Not sweet alone, 
But useful thee we, likewise, own, 
On insect hosts, all sleek and fine. 
Dost thou at night both sup and dine ; 
For all, who know thee, well do ken. 
That, in despite of beasts or men, 
Thou dost by night secure thy fill. 
While sweetly singing — "Whip-poor-will." 



17(» THE WHTP-POOR-WII.T.. 

Sweet bird of Song ! I hear them ring — 
Thy sweet and mellow notes of spring, 
And who that kens thy sylvan muse, 
Would thee a tribute glad refuse ; 
For what could fill our hearts with cheer, 
If 'twere not for thy voice so clear ? 
Thy song — despite the painful thrill, 
Is sweet, tho^ saying — "Whip-poor-will."' 

Sweet bird of Song ! In fall or spring, 
I love to hear thee near rae sing, 
Nor can I e'er forget thy strain. 
Loud-echoing, still, o'er hill and plain ; 
Hence, glad, will I my tribute pay 
To him that sleeps the live long day, 
And sings at night, so calm and still, 
His own clear-ringing — "Whip-poor-will." 

Sweet bird of Song ! I'm much in doubt, 
And greatly wish you'd help me out— 
I've called thee "lord,'' but am afraid 
You are some disappointed maid ; 
Else, why alone poor "Will," thus, hate ? 
Nor Sue, nor Mag, nor Lib, nor Kate ? 
Nor thine invectives e'er abate ? 
For sing you, bird, on plain or hill, 
'Tis still, and only — ''Whip-poor-will.'' 

Sweet bird of Song! who art thou, then. 

That we thy story well may ken ! 

For not a "lord," but maiden fair 

May sing this song of deep despair : 

Me pardon, for I much suspect 

'Tis vengeance for some sore neglect ; 

For sing you, bird, or loud or still, 

'Tis thus, and always — "Whip-poor-will,' 



TO MY NIECE. 



I've read the Letter which you sent. 
To L. R. H. 'Twas to rae lent ; 
Quite glad was T to hear of you, 
Of all you did, or meaxt to do ; 
'Tis pleasant, thus, to read one's mind, 
And learn if she be cross or kind ; 
For, secrets got with little cost. 
Are longest kept, and rarely lost ! 
I cannot tell you all I've read, 
Too many things distract my head ; 
But one thing I will here repeat. 
Which was to me a pleasant treat. 
A flatt'ring word of praise, I ween, 
In your Epistle I have seen — 
Your ref'rence to my rhyming art 
Responsive touched my mind and heart ; 
And, then, the wish that I might woo 
The Maid poetic, pleased me too ; 
For, wooing, as you well do know, 
Is current with the high and low ; 
And well becomes the good and true. 
If they but nobler ends pursue. 
Now, viewing things in such a light, 
With matters all so fair and bright, 
I cannot well your wish refuse. 
To court, at times, the Sacred Muse ; 
The end proposed is lofty, sure. 
And, deeming it both good and pure. 



178 THE GOLDEN WEDDING. 

I'll visit oft her charming fane, 

To please my Niece — Miss Mary Jane ! 



THE GOLDEN WEDDING. 
FEH. 10, 1879. 
Our Hearts conjoined— together grown, 
As sketched, and by this emblem* shown, 
Glad, sing we still Life's path along, 
In sweet content our pilgrim song ! 

We bless Thee, Lord, for life and health, 
We bless Thee for our friends and wealth, 
We bless Thee for each gift of Thine, 
We bless Thee for Thy grace divine ! 

With wondrous love, and matchless skill, 
Thou dost Thy gracious word fulfill ; 
From day to day — from year to year, 
Thou dost our drooping spirits cheer! 

Through dangers oft our jcnirney lay. 
Thro' these Thy hand hath led the way ; 
Thro' shifting scenes of storm and calm. 
Thro' sweetly scented groves of balm! 

wondrous grace ! bliss divine ! 
To know that all our cares are Thine ; 
Thy light, at midnight, gleams on high. 
In gloomiest days, Thy help is nigh ! 

THE FESTIVE ODE. 

Sweet songs of joy, sweet songs of praise, 
With cheerful heart and voice we'll raise 
To Him— the High, the Pure, the Good, 
Who giveth life, and health, and food ! 
*Two hearts in one. 



THK OLIVE TREE. 179 

To Thee, the blessed God, we bring 
Our grateful oflfrings while we sing, 
Our hearts attuned to scenes above, 
Our tongues intoning notes of love! 

With firmness, Lord, our souls inspire, 
And touch our lips with sacred fire ; 
Our sweetest notes to Thee we'll raise, 
To Thee intone our loftiest praise ! 

Our pilgrimage, so bright and fair, 
Doth witness to Thy mercy bear ; 
And, when distressed with doubt and fear, 
Thy hand removes the falling tear ! 

We bless, Lord, Thy hand benign, 
And to Thy grace ourselves resign ; 
What suited ofF'ring shall we bring ? 
What worthy Anthem shall we sing ? 

We'll praise Thee, Lord, in grateful song, 
We'll praise Thee, Lord, with heart and tongue ; 
We'll praise Thee for each favor showed. 
We'll praise Thee for each gift bestowed ! 

Sweet anthems, then, sweet songs of praise, 
With cheerful voices, we will raise 
To Thee, the weary pilgrims stay. 
Ox THIS OUR Golden-wedding day! 



THE OLIVE TREE. 

Sweet Olive tree — of stature small. 

With knarled trunk and modest mien, 

And, yet, so rich in gifts for all — 
The pride and boast of Palestine. 



180 THK OTJVK TRKK. 

On ev'ry hill and mountain side 

The precious trees in mass are found, 

And, there, in freshness they abide 

While seasons, each, come circling round. 

Sweet evergreen, of changeless leaf, 

Of verdure fresh thro' all the jear, 
The emblem of that glorious Chief, 

The Lord of life, to mortals dear. 
How blithely to my heart and mind 

It speaks of Him who came to save, 
The Lord and Head of human-kind. 

Who wreathed the cross — illumed the grave! 

Far in the dim and hoary past, 

When o'er the angry waters rode 
The Ark all safe — tho' rough and fast, 

Till on the mountain it abode ; 
The Dove sent o'er the wat'ry waste, 

A verdant branch of olive found. 
And winging back in eager haste. 

She brought the news of rising ground ! 

What beauty in that picture glows 

Which .ludah's bard in fancy drew, 
When round the board, in festive rows, 

''Like olive plants," sweet children grew ; 
When pure content was smiling seen, 

The image of a favored home, 
And he himself, all fresh and green, 

Dwelled, grateful, 'neath the sacred dome I 

So— in the Prophet's vision bright. 
How grandly stand the Olives "two," 

And, still, to feed the sacred light, 
Flows golden oil the branches thro' : 



THE CHRISTIAN HOME. 



181 



The sacred flame is kept aglow 
By reason of the trees so nigh, 

For rich supplies do ceaseless flow 
From golden vases fixed on high ! 

Sweet trees of yore, still growing sound 

Near Salem's walls of ancient fame ! 
'Tis there, that, bathed in blood, was found 

My Saviour of the mystic name; 
'' Anointed" — whence all efforts made 

Have failed my Olive to destroy ! 
Blest Tree of Life ! — still rich in shade, 

In fruit and oil — the source of joy ! 

For all the good that trees impart, 

For all the evils they prevent. 
Thou, most, dost merit my poor heart, 

Great Olive mine, in mercy sent ; 
In field, and dome, and temple grand, 

Thy golden oil doth light afford. 
And rich and poor thro' all the land. 

For Thy kind dolings bless Thee, Lord 1 



THE CHRISTIAN HOME. 



The purest joy that earth can give, 

Is found in kindly deeds of love, 
'Tis, thus, the blessed Angels live. 

And Saints in radiant spheres above ; 
But, why, should not the Sons of Earth, 

Still struggling in their course below, 
Ennobled by their heavenly birth, 

In rapture this sweet pleasure know ? 



182 THE CHRISTIAN HOME. 

How fair and charming is the sight 

Of children round the social hearth, 
Each serving each with sweet delight, 

In token of their common birth ; 
Their hearts are to each other true, 

And constant in their flow of peace, 
Their joys come with the early dew, 

Nor with the ev'ning twilight cease I 

0, blessed scene of Christian love, 

Exempt from anger, hate, and strife, 
A scene like those in worlds above. 

Where, freely, reigns immortal life ; 
There clouds ne'er sweep athwart the sky, 

Nor storms disturb the sweet repose. 
There ev'ry wished-for good is nigh. 

There springs of bounty ne'er do close ! 

Sweet, sacred spot ! Pure, blessed scene I 

For thee my heart doth greatly long ; 
'Tis highest heav'n to me, I ween, 

A balm for every tort'ring wrong ; 
Sweet, sacred spot ! I, longing, pant 

In thy bleat scenes to share a part ; 
To me, dear Lord, this blessing grant, 

And I, to Thee, will yield my heart ! 

When, thus, our time on earth is spent 

In blissful concord with our friends j 
When life, passed thro' in sweet content. 

At length in radiant glory ends ; 
How blest the thought, that then we may 

In peace depart this life of care. 
And find a mansion far away — 

A home divinely bright and fair ! 



OUR LITTLE WINGED PETS. 



Little birds, so blithe and gay, 
Cheerily ye frisk and play — 
Round the cage so nimbly hop, 
From the bottom up to top ; 
Then adown, again, to feed, 
Cutely hulling all the seed ; 
'Cross the cage ye fly or skip. 
Then the sparkling water sip ; 
Thus it fareth all the day — 
Eat and drink, and skip and play ! 
Little beauties, bright are ye, 
Full of fun and full of glee, 
Spreading, now, the tiny wing. 
Then a song of love you sing, 
And, while singing, seem to say 
Ain't we pretty, blithe, and gay ? 
With your modest yellow suit. 
With your little eyes so cute. 
With your slender legs and feet, 
With your voices soft and sweet, 
Who doth not your suit admire. 
Who doth of your warblings tire ? 
Oft, when musing, I surmise 
Reason sparkling in your eyes, 
Gifted, thus, conclude I hence, 
With a higher grade of sense. 



184 OUR LITTLE WIXGED PETS. 

In your ev'ry turn, I ween, 
Wisdom is in action seen ; 
In your pranks and ready wits, 
Equal quite to Signor Blitz I 

Little warblers, lively, gay, 
Ye are happy all the day; 
Might we but this lesson learn, 
Wisdom in your life discern ! 
Strangely slow to comprehend. 
Miss we, thus, th' exalted end ; 
Why should ye of golden wing, 
Skip and play, and cheerful sing, 
Whereas we of nobler mould. 
Often fret, or pout, or scold ? 
'Tis a poor, unhappy choice. 
That, with far superior voice. 
We do not as cheerful sing, 
As ye birds of golden wing I 

Gentle songsters, well-inclined, 
To your wiry cage confined ! 
Yielding, thus, to cruel fate, 
Stinted in your small estate ; 
Oft I sit, and, musing, think 
Ye, too, form a needful link 
In that chain of being high, 
Reaching upward to the sky ; 
And, who knows, what honors more 
May for you be kept in store ! 
In the future there doth lie 
Many an unsolved mystery ; 
We but see the outward ring — 
Pierce not to the secret spring ; 
Source of action, this, I ween. 
Yet by mortals never seen ! 



MOTHER, HOME, AND HEAVEN. 185 

Sing, then, little warblers, sing, 
Let your voices sweetly ring, 
He, who gave you being, will 
All His counsel yet fulfill ; 
By succession, not in grade. 
Ye may be immortal made ! 
Sing ye here so sweetly, grand, 
We sing in that better land ; 
Thus, our work doth well accord. 
High exalting Christ — the Lord ; 
And each note, from lip or bill, 
Sounding through the ages still. 
There, accordant, shall combine 
In a song of praise divine 1 



'' MOTHER, HOME, AND HEAVEN.'.' 

There's magic in that name, so sweet, 

By children used with sacred awe ; 
The charming sound our lips repeat 

By virtue of an innate law ; 
With hearts aglow, and tender love. 

We cherish, here, a Mother's name ; 
And, yonder, in that world above. 

Still hope we to revere the same ! 

And that dear spot, where she abides, 

We dignify with name of Home, 
And deem no other place besides, 

So dear to pilgrims doomed to roam ; 
For, there, the weary heart reclines 

On her warm bosom filled with love. 
And softly, there, in beauty shines 

The light of brighter worlds above ! 



186 THE REAPERS. 

That mellowed light, that tints the sky, 

Betokens still another Home, 
Which gently lures the soul on high, 

And bids the pilgrim cease to roam ; 
For, there, our final rest is found, 

And weary saints sit calmly down ; 
While, sharing in the glory round. 

Each one receives a fadeless crown ; 



DEDICATION FOR AN AUTOGRAPH ALBUM. 

This Album is a garden, bright and fair. 

Where beauties of the mind and heart may grow ; 
A cabinet of treasures — rich and rare — 

Mementoes, fragrant, and with life aglow. 
As blithely from the smooth and placid lake. 

The radiant sky and clouds are mirrored back 
With lineaments, exact in form and make. 

Nor e'en the softest tints and features lack ; 
So let your sentiments be chaste and pure. 

Like sparkling gems, and native gold refined, 
Nor in this Album write save thoughts mature. 

Sweet echoes of a chastened heart and mind ! 



THE REAPERS. 



Behold, the Farmer's fair domain, 
Out-stretching to the distant hills, 

Where he, for pleasure, greed, or gain, 
With care the soil productive tills. 

The seed corns, with a gen'rous hand. 
Now scattered o'er the mellowed soil. 



THE REAPERS. 187 

With verdure clothe the favored land, 
Responsive to the farmer's toil. 

And, stretching o'er the cultured fields. 
Now gently waves the golden grain ; 

And, rip'ning, it profusely yields, 
Prospective, rich returns of gain I 

The em'rald acres, changed to gold, 

Invite the reapers to their task. 
And they, responding, fresh and bold, 

Their garments doff — nor question ask. 

Then, hast'ning to the golden fields. 
With sickle, scythe, and firm resolve. 

The tott'ring grain, responsive, yields 
As, now, the serrate wheels revolve ! 

And, gath'ring up the prostrate grain, 
Their lab'ring teams, o'er-laden, quake, 

While gleaners, in a num'rous train. 
With dear esteem the leavings take I 

Away they store these gifts in haste, 

The gen'rous dole the garner fills ; 
Elate, the gifts of God they taste, 

And joy the heaving bosom thrills I 

Thus, in the heav'nly kingdom, too, 

The seeds of truth are broad-cast sown ; 

And, fiilled with virtues strange and new, 
They yield a harvest all their own I 

The words of life, cast in the ground. 

Spring up in ways to us unknown, 
For here the soil is fruitful found, 

As in the case of Nature shown. 



188 THE SOWER AND THE SEED. 

The slutnb'ring forces hasten on, 
The modest blade doth first appear, 

Then shoots the stalk, erect, alone, 
And lastly comes the full-grown ear ! 

And, now, the Angel-reapers, bright. 
Thrust in the sickle, sharp and strong ; 

And, gath'ring in the sons of light. 

They save them from the wicked throng. 

A magic field of truth and life — 
A wondrous harvest-day is this, 

Absolvi ng from earth's war and strife. 
And bearing us to endless bliss I 

There, in the heav'nly garner stored. 
What songs of triumph shall we sing? 

And to our Lord — the loved, adored — 
What grateful tribute shall we bring? 

We'll bring our hearts to Him, the slain, 
Adored by brilliant hosts above ! 

We'll sing our songs, in grateful strain, 
Responsive to his boundless love ! 



THE SOWER AND THE SEED. 

Jesus — Sower of the seed — 

Source of ev'ry gift divine, 
Sow in us Thy word indeed, 

And in mercy on it shine, 
That it may spring up apace, 

Firm and deeply rooted be ; 
Nurtured still in truth and grace, 

May we thus be found in Thee 1 



THE MORNING COMETH, AND ALSO THE NIGHT. 189 

Jesus — Sower of the seed — 

Source of all that's good and true, 
Greatly we Thy blessing need 

While our calling we pursue ; 
Jesus, Ave Thy promise claim. 

Promise made in times of yore, 
When assembled in Thy name, 

'' Lo, I'm with you evermore !" 

Jesus — Sower of the seed — 

Source exclusive of success. 
Graciously Thy kingdom speed. 

All our efforts kindly bless ! 
Called are we Thy light to bear. 

Further still Thy truth to sound, 
Until ALL Thy word shall hear. 

E'en to Earth's remotest bound ! 

Jesus — Sower of the seed — 

Source of sweetest bliss to me, 
When dlstrest — in greatest need, 

All my joy I find in Thee ; 
Jesus — be my refuge here. 

Fold me in Thine arms of love 5 
Be my shield when danger's near, 

Be my crown in realms above! 



THE MORNING COMETH, AND ALSO THE NIGHT. 
IsA. 21: 12. 

The promised day is dawning 

In glory from on high — 
Yet, ere the blessed morning, 

Night deepens o'er the sky ! 



!l 



190 THE MORXIXG COMETH, AXD ALSO THE NIGHT. 

Upon Earth's erring children 
The curse will have its way ; 

Nor, till its strength be wasted, 
Will beauty crown the day ! 

The soft'ning light declineth. 
The ev'ning shades are nigh ; 

The sun no longer shineth, 
The stars appear on high 1 

My weary limbs are ailing, 
My heart is sad and sore ; 

For ALL things now are failing. 
Save He. whom I adore 1 



0, blessed truth ! This knowing. 
My faith is firm and strong ; 

And peace, still onward flowing. 
Cheers me Life's path along 1 

The night tho' much bewailing. 
The dawning doth appear ; 

The darkness now is paling, 
The sky will soon be clear ! 

blessed Hope — how cheering I 
All sorrow flies away ; 

And night, now disappearing, 
Will change to endless day ! 

Sweet morn of joyout) waking, 
From ev'ry burden free ; 

The promised day is breaking 
In bliss, Lord, in Thee I 

Then, still in God confiding, 
My faith be firm and true ; 



I5KII0LD, I COME QUK KLY. 191 

Thy promised time abiding, 
And vict'ry still pursue ! 

The morning surely cometh, 

The night must pass away, 
And he that, faithful, runneth, 

Shall gain the happy day ! 

0, day of Hope's fruition, 

Of heav'nly peace and joy. 
When acts of grateful worship 

Shall heart and tongue employ ! 

While shadows still do linger 

Around me in the way ; 
Be Thou, O blest Redeemer, 

To me the light of day ! 

The night, tho' dark and dreary, 

If Thou be with me there. 
May find me sad and weary, 

Yet free from grim despair ! 

Thou art, blessed Jesus, 

The light of life to me; 
And, in the dark uneasy, 

I seek my rest in Thee ! 



"BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY.' 

Behold, I come quickly. 
Ye boasters and proud j 

The heavens in darkness, 
The earth will I shroud. 



192 BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY. 

To God in deep anguish, 
In fear you may cry ; 

But in that dread moment, 
No aid shall be nigh ! 

Behold, I come quickly. 

In judgment arrayed; 
Nor sentence shall linger. 

Nor wrath shall be stayed. 
The proud and the scoffing, 

Tho' long they have stood. 
Shall witness with terror 

The frowns of their God ! 

Behold, I come quickly. 

Full long have I borne 
Your sins and your follies, 

Your taunt and your scorn ! 
My patience is wasted — 

The mercy it sheds. 
Now vengeance, deserved. 

Descends on your heads I 

Behold, I come quickly, 

Ye sinners shall mourn, 
And wish you had perished 

When erst you were born. 
The doom of the wicked, 

What tongue can express ? 
Your woe and your torment. 

Your pain and distress? 

Behold, I come quickly. 
Ye loved ones of God ; 

Your tears I have witnessed. 
Your cries have I heard. 



LINES OX DEATH. 193 

Though men may despise you, 

Their wrath disregard ; 
Your end shall be glorious, 

And great your reward I 

Behold, I come quickly, 

Ye saints shall rejoice, 
And praise Me your Saviour 

With heart and with voice. 
Your hopes now are certain. 

You cannot mistake ; 
The souls I have purchased, 

I will not forsake ! 

Behold, I come quickly, 

The time is at hand ; 
Your patience much longer 

I will not demand. 
In life ye have owned me, 

Your Master and Lord ; 
In death my sweet presence 

Shall be your reward ! 

Behold, I come quickly, 

0, be not dismayed ; 
The day of salvation 

Shall not be delayed ! 
On angels' swift pinions 

Your souls shall be borne 
To heaven's high mansions, 

To glory's bright throne ! 



LINES ON DEATH. 



0, Death — what dismal tho'ts to every heart, 
What gloomy fear it brings, and what dismay ! 



194 LINES ON DEATH. 

The very name, so dread, disturbs our souls 
And makes us, trembling, wish 'twere far away. 
'Tis, thus, we banish every thought of death 
To set our hearts at ease ; yet death is nigh, 
E'en at the door, and seeks admittance there. 
With high commission armed, intent to bear us 
All away. Its mandates — ever active — 
Alike both strong and feeble must obey ; 
No age exempt, nor sex, nor any state — 
Nor from its ruthless hand can wealth protect; 
Nor virtues pure, nor aught that men esteem, 
Can shield us from the inveterate foe ! 

When morn's sweet light doth gently on us dawn, 
Or mid-day sun in fullest splendor shines, 
Or evening breezes softly o'er us sweep, 
Or 'round us midnight shades in silence hang; 
When, wrapt in thought, we gaze on Nature's works. 
Or sleep, unconscious of the world around, 
Whate'er we do, or in whatever state we be. 
There death stands ready-harnessed for his work, 
And, both by day and midnight's lonely hours, 
Doth boldly seize the objects of pursuit! 

Thus, what the dismal night-shades left untouched, 

Unwarned at morning falls beneath his pow'r ; 

In broad daylight the work is still pursued. 

And stout hearts break, and tears incessant flow, 

Till ev'ning hides the melancholy scene, 

And screens from mortal sight the horrid work. 

With lion-strength he grasps earth's hapless ones 

And bears them from the field without delay. 

Unnumbered myriads each day are borne 

From life's arena ; and myriads more, 

Unknown, succeed and follow in their wake 1 



REFLECTI )NS OX THE RESURRECTIOX. 195 

The man of years — the aged and in^rm — 

Already feels death's heavy hand imposed, 

And soon must leave his kindred here below : 

The man of middle age he likewise takes away : 

Sweet children at his bidding fall ; and e'en 

The tender babe, whose infant spirit scarce 

Began to be, is crushed beneath his sway. 

He cares for none, nor spares — both rich and poor, 

Both high and low, are all to him the same : 

He favors none, but treats them all alike ! 

Such is the Tyrant's power, and such his sway. 
That none may hope indulgence or escape ; 
His ceaseless wrath — of blood insatiate — 
High justice owns — the bitter fruit of sin. 
And Death is absolute in all his ways — 
Of other monarchs none so much to dread ; 
To him must all submit, both small and great. 
When once the fatal day — Death's day — appears. 
That solemn day is near— on every hand 
We see such signs as wise men ought to heed. 
Each day he bears some loved one swift away. 
And God thus loudly speaks : Come, mortals, seek 
In peace to meet the stern decree of death I 



REFLECTIONS ON THE RESURRECTION. 

Though death despoil this mortal frame. 
And quench awhile the vital flame ; 
I know from death this frame shall rise. 
And live beyond the vaulted skies 1 

The seed that's cast into the ground. 
Though now in vile corruption found, 



196 HEAVEN : OR, THE EVERLASTIXO REST. 

Shall truly thence spring up again, 
And deck with green the life-clad plain ! 

So shall this frame, despoiled by death, 
Once feel Christ's all-reviving breath — 
Awake from this its couch of clay. 
And reign, restored, in endless day ! 

The rescued one, in glory found. 
With peerless beauty there is crowned ; 
And who, with human skill, can paint 
The rapture of the risen saint ! 



HEAVEN : OR, THE EVERLASTING REST. 

There is a Home than all more sweet. 
With life divine— with bliss replete ; 
A Home for which my spirit longs. 
Secure, enriched with sacred songs ; 
Where Faith and Love most sweetly blend. 
Where friend communion holds with friend ! 

'Tis found where saints in rapture meet, 
Where spirits pure such spirits greet; 
Where robed in splendor Jesus reigns, 
And angels chant their lofty strains. 
Where God, enthroned, exalted sits — 
And, grateful, each to Him submits ! 

'Tis found where all is love and peace. 
Where triumphs full redeeming grace ; 
Where saints, adoring, lowly bend. 
And songs of praise to Christ ascend ; 
Where shining hosts before Him fall 
And crown Jehovah — Lord of all 1 



